Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to the bassinet that is attached to the sides of a bed. Some have an end that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were very easy to follow. It was a fast build. It also folds down into a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are usually easy to set up, and are on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being “super straightforward to construct, with clear instructions and simple zips.” The crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their baby at night, but don’t wish to risk co-sleeping.
Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from light and noise, which is helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. MFM’s 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels as well as conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It has five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your baby from the comfortable bed. It’s the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby up to you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you’ve lifted baby off, which is better for parents who have fears of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There’s also an integrated reflux setting, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib to suit your baby’s preferred position.
If you’re seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs with a variety of fabrics that complement your decor. Discover More ‘s also super-easy to assemble as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn’t need to look up the instructions. It’s also a great travel cot, which folds flat and slipping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side however it is still compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you’re considering travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is crucial, since it’s the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won’t fall off or be trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is especially important if you’re using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent’s bed, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom, you should also consider whether it has extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
You’ll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby’s head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It’s also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one that has been handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they’re sometimes known) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby, while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as tilting, rocking, or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it’s not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib has six height settings and an attractive shelf for storage. It’s also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in a convenient bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit included to assist you. It’s also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few more features than other bedside cribs we’ve tried including an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it’s a great crib because it’s “easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and it’s larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son is out of it”. She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It’s also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.