Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble the bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed. They usually come with a side that can be dropped down for easy access and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are generally easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side to are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and easy zips." agree with this can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around traveling. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain close to their infant during the night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to shield your baby from light and noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. 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 a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height settings to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to build and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your baby from the peace of your bed. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get up. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their little one rolling 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 that your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to fit the baby's position.
If you're looking for something a little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabrics to complement your decor. It's also easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat and slipping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It's important to choose a product that can be removed and partially dismantled so you can get into every nook and cranny for an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or areas that your child could slide down or become trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is especially important when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their infant during the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with extra features you might consider useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution, as it can be risky if your child is thrown out.
You'll also want to ensure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping space. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be moved down so 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 taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings, as well as a handy shelf to store things on. It's also bulkier and heavier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's simple to put together with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.
Jasmin says this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great choice for those with little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.