Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds into a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." The crib can be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height ensures it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access to your baby without the need to get out of your bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be close to their child throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional prior to attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm them down. Some cribs have a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an important selling point for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. bedside cot crib comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was shortlisted for 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 the bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a new mum recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that let you view your baby's face 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). Some allow you to keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears 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 clip on to bedsteads and divans, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib to suit the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and stylish fabric options to complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat and popping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby doesn't fall off or be trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate 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 soothe their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
When choosing a crib for your bedside it is important to consider whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution because it could be dangerous if your child gets out of the crib.
It is also important to ensure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape with time which increases 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.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can see your baby and touch him. Some have the option to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also heavier and bulkier than other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few features than other bedside cribs we've tried with, like an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also loves how easy it is to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be placed on divans, making it a great option for those with limited space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.