Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of the bed. They typically come with a side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds into a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be set next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their child at night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping.
Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be very relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help calm them down. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an important selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfy
You can monitor your child from the comfort of your bed with a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your child towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements however). best bedside cot for newborn allow you to lower the barrier and then raise it again after you take the baby out. This is a good option for parents 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 attach to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib according to your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something a little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabric options to match your decor. It is also very easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits 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 quite compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up although she thought the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to choose one that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is important, as it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Verify that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby doesn't slide off or become trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their infant at night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside, you should also consider whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than use one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch 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 taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like tilting, rocking or even converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not only because of its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings and a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also simple to clean thanks to the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. It has a few more amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says 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 is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son outgrows it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those with small space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.