Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are attached to the side of a bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. best bedside cot for newborn folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. 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 also function as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around traveling. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their child all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. 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 beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an attractive selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib allows you to keep an eye on your little one from the peace of your bed. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby to your side for nappy or night feeds 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 allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some allow you to lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who have fears of their baby falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to make sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost airflow. There's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib according to your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something a smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and clever 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 need to look up the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still quite compact and easy to fit onto your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and drips. It's an excellent idea to choose one that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't fall off or be trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their baby during the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom take into consideration whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one that has been handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This lets you 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 come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. This one has six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a handy 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 is also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few features than other cribs we've used with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed him without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal option for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.