Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the bed's side. They typically have a single side that can be lowered down for easy reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They also tend to be 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 easy zips." This crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height ensures it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be removed to let you easily access your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their infant throughout the night but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help calm them down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It has five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is a different favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a mom who is recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it again after you have lifted the baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require some longer straps than other models (check the specifications to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. Plus, there's bedside cosleeper integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to fit 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 smart fabric options to match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat and slipping 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 relatively small and easy to put onto your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots be sure to look for models that come with a 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 an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed it is important to consider whether it has extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. 4-in-1 bedside crib will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea 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 are used are more likely to lose their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping space. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted to let you feel your baby's hand and see him. travel cot bedside let you keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also 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 changing into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. The crib comes with six height settings and a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than the other travel-friendly cribs we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It is also easy to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with 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 your baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and feels sturdy and well made. It can be placed on divans, making it an ideal choice for those with small space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.