Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. travel cot bedside crib have a single side that can be lowered down for easy reach and some even have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to set up, and are on the smaller side, so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to build with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow 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 an easy access to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their child throughout the night but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be very soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to protect your baby from light and noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be adjusted 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 called as the 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 in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your baby towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some allow you to keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their baby falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase airflow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to suit the baby's position.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.
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 into your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spit-up, and leaky diapers. bedside cot used should also select an item that can be easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their baby during the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
It is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. It comes with six height adjustments, and 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 convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It has a few more amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby during the night to feed him without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and feels sturdy and well made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it a great option for those who have small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.