Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of a bed. Some have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a quick construction. It folds up into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are typically easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be removed to let you be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be very soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt that make it a versatile travel bed. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their little one rolling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to fit the position of your baby.
If Discover More are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that will complement your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly, without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, but is still quite compact and easy to attach onto your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the corners and crevices for an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with additional features you might find useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby is thrown out.
You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that has been handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) is attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby, while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This one has six height adjustments, as well as an excellent storage shelf. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.
The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also simple to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". It's also easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.