Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to the bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
bedside cosleeper found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to put together
They are small and simple to set-up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around traveling. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted so that you can easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be very relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help calm your baby down. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib lets you to monitor your baby from the comfort of your own bed. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C-section as you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed their needs 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 view your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements though). Others allow you to lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have a fear of their baby 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 specifications to make sure that your bed can accommodate). It's a large model with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. 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 looking for something a smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and stylish fabrics to complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that 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 small and easy to put to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the corners.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could slide down or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is particularly important when you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their child throughout the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one that was given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) can be attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. Most will have a side panel that can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek Scandi design. This crib has six height settings and a handy shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it dust-free and clean when it's stored.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It is also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for a peaceful feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.