rocking bedside crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the bed's side. They typically have one side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to put together with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag for when you're moving. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close to your baby without the need to get out of your own bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their child at night, but don't wish 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 extremely relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to protect your baby from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great 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 also has 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your child towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then raise it again after you lift the baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly, without requiring any instructions. It is also a great 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 size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles leaky diapers, and spit-up. You should also select one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't slide off or become trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially important when you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their infant at night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with additional features you might consider useful. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your child is thrown out.
It is also important to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall into any folds or gaps 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 has been passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your sleeping space. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be moved down so you can feel and see your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. The crib comes with six height settings and a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also simple to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It has a few more features than other cribs for bed we've tested, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic 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 a longer time before my son gets older". She also likes the ease of clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with a little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.