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 an end that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect 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 also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
bedside crib vs cot are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to construct, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable cot and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height means it will fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature the option of a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to easily access your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be with their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm them down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many 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 comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib enables you to monitor your child from the comfortable bed. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C-section as it is easy to lift your baby towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award 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 other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. There's an integrated setting for reflux as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabric options to complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.
best bedside cot for newborn , which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still relatively compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she was not convinced that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. 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 all the nooks and crannies for a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas that your child could fall down or get trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is especially crucial when 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 infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features you might consider useful. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - but remember that you should only use this feature with care as it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of 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 don't slide down into any 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 was passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs in 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 allow you to keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features, such as tilting, rocking or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings and a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
best bedside cot uk are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those who have little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.