Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. They typically have one side that can be lowered down for easy reach and some even have an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around on the move. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height makes it will fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be lowered to let you be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their infant at night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping.
Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm them down. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Some cribs for bedside use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an important selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with a bedside crib. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby out towards you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements though). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their child falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of 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 specs to make sure your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib to suit the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabrics that complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. bedside travel cot will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's important to choose one that is able to be removed and partially dismantled so you can get into all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or areas where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their child at night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When selecting a crib for your bedside it is important to consider whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution, as it can be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.
Also, you should make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. small bedside cot will decrease the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one that was handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features like tilting, rocking or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings and a useful shelf to store things on. It's also heavier and bulkier than the other portable cribs we've tried and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's simple to put together with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also simple to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and the breathable fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the other cribs we've used including an anti-reflux incline, 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 for fuss-free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and feels sturdy and well made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those with limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.