Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble the bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. Some have a side that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. wooden bedside cot folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around on the move. It has multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that can be adjusted to let you easily reach your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their baby at night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Discover More come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming the baby. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt that make it a versatile travel bed. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your infant towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements though). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their little one rolling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something smaller in size than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabric options to match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to consult the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, however it is still compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and drips. It's important to choose one that is easily removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or areas that your child could slide down or become trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is especially important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When selecting a crib for your bedside take into consideration whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than use one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. It comes with six height adjustments, and a useful storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than the other portable cribs we've tried and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.