Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the side of your bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a quick construction. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually easy to set up, and are on the smaller side, so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to construct, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh windows for breathability, and the adjustable height makes it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their child at night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm them down. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is a different favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
bedside crib with wheels and comfortable
A bedside crib lets you to monitor your little one from the peace of your bed. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs 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 associated risks (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their baby falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to be certain 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. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together although she thought the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is able to be removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the crib's sides are securely attached, so there are no gaps or spaces that your child could slide down or become trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom it is important to consider whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that has been passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can see your baby and touch him. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby, while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. bedside crib with wheels can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features, such as tilting, rocking or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just due to its sleek, modern design. It comes with six height adjustments, and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also likes the ease of clean and that it 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. Additionally, it comes with a handy carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.