Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. They typically have a single side that can be put down for easy reach and some even have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the directions were extremely clear. It was a quick build. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to build, 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 moving. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature the option of a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should talk to an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an important selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements though). Some cribs let you keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who have a fear of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to accommodate your baby's position.
If you're looking for something a little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabric options to match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, however it is still compact and easy to attach onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It's important to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies for an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
bedside crib with changing table is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the crib's sides are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their infant during the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed it is important to consider whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll also want to ensure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that was given to you by someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments, and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It is also easy to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with little space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.
