Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble the bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. They often have one side that can be put down for easy reach and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It also folds down into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes 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 be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be close to their child throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be very comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to protect your baby from light or sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
bedside cot for twins for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it a versatile travel bed. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cozy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as you can easily carry your child towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
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). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who have a fear of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to fit the baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabrics to match your decor. It's also easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a convenient bag.
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 easy to put together, though she was not convinced 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 have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and drips. It's also a good idea to select a model that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
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 sides of the crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll want a bedside crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents easy access to their child throughout the night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
When choosing a crib for your bedroom, you should also consider whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution because it could be dangerous if your baby is thrown out.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than use one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) is attached to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as a handy storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great option for those with little space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.