Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the side of your bed. They often have a single side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
twin bedside cot are generally easy to set up, and are usually 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, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to construct, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height ensures it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be removed so that you can easily access your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to stay close to their child during the night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be very comforting for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should talk to a doctor or health visitor before you attempt it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it a versatile travel bed. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfy
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the risk (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you take baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly and without needing to consult any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. bedside cot for twins found it easy to set up, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. You should also select one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their infant at night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When selecting a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head 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 that has been given to you by someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) attaches to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered to let you see your baby and touch the baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features like rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.
The instructions are simple and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It is also easy to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few amenities than other cribs we've used with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal option for those with little space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.