Bedside Crib and Travel Cotbedside baby sleeper cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed. They usually come with a side that can be dropped down for easy reach and some come with an incline option that is 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 into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are generally easy to put together, and are on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag for when you're on the move. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs for
large bedside cot use an additional side panel that can be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their child throughout the night but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be very soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to shield your baby from light or noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an attractive selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with 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 set to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using the
bedside crib and travel cot crib. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get up. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some allow you to keep the barrier lowered but then raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by fears of their little one rolling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for
best bedside cot Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specifications to make sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to fit the baby's position.
If you're looking for something a little smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabrics to complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and spills. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the corners.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or areas where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom take into consideration whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - but remember that you should only use this feature with care because it could be risky if your child falls out.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or
travel bedside crib cot, rather than use one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping area. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features like tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This one has six height adjustments, and a useful storage shelf. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than other portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It is also easy to clean thanks to the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those who have little space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.