Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the bed’s side. Some have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
bedside crib travel cot cribs are generally easy to set up, and are on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being « super easy to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips. » This crib can be used as a portable travel crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature the option of a side panel that can be removed so that you can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be very relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should talk to a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to protect your child from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside cosleeper use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It’s a great choice for new mums recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of your bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check whether the crib you’re considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Others allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it after you’ve lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have an apprehension of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the best bedside cot uk Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). It’s a roomy design with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. There’s also an integrated set-up for reflux and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib to suit your baby’s preferred position.
If you’re looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs with a variety of fabrics that match your decor. It’s also easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly, without having to look up any instructions. It’s also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It’s important to choose one that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is important, as it’s the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. You’ll also want to check that the crib’s sides are securely secured, ensuring that there aren’t any gaps or spaces in which your child could slip down or become trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly crucial if you’re using a bedside rocking crib crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent’s bed, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
When selecting a crib for your bed take into consideration whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
You’ll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into 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 an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one that was handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib travel cot crib (or co-sleeping crib as they’re sometimes known) attaches to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to get out of your sleeping space. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered to let you see your baby and touch him. 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 the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It’s also bulkier and heavier than other comfortable cribs that we’ve tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It’s also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its « easy to reach your baby during the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son outgrows it ». She also likes that it’s easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It’s even designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.