Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. They often have a single side that can be dropped down for easy reach and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds up into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are generally easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, who was one of 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." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're moving. It comes with multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their child at night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with a built-in rocking function. cheap bedside cot Cots 4 Tots can be a comforting experience for your baby and aid them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to protect your child from light or noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.
Some cribs for bedside use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels and 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 highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib allows you to monitor your baby from the comfortable bed. 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 needing to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements though). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but raise it again after you have lifted baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib according to the preferred position of your baby.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, but is still relatively compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that have a mattress cover that is removable that can be machine-washed. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. You'll also want to check that the crib's sides are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or spaces in which your child could fall down or get trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your own bed. This is especially crucial when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features that you may find useful. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should use this feature with care because it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more features than other cribs we've used including an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby during the night for fuss-free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also loves the ease of clean and how it is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.