Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of a bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes 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 easy zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around traveling. It has multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be lowered, giving you an easy access to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from light and noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is a big selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it suitable for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers praised it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib enables you to monitor your child from the comfortable bed. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your infant towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of your bed. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the risk (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some allow you to keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can be accommodated). It's a large model with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost airflow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib according to your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and clever fabrics that will match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to consult the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Find cheap bedside cot with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is important, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas that your child could slide down or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is particularly important if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily access their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside, you should also consider whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your child is thrown out.
You'll also want to make sure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be adjusted to let you feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf for storage. It's also a bit 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 stored.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also simple to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says 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 grows out of it". It's also easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.