Recommended Reading and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the bed's side. They usually come with a side that can be lowered down for easy access and some even have an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are typically easy to put together, and are on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to construct with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're on the move. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without having to step out of your own bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their child during the night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a soothing experience for your baby, and can help them fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which is useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is an attractive selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed, and was praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to build, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib allows you to monitor your child in the comfort of your own bed. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without getting out of bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who have fears of their baby falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost airflow. There's also an integrated reflux setting and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib according to your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to look up the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, however it is still small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable 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 spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.
You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially important when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When choosing a crib for your bedside, you should also consider whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - although remember that you should only use this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower 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 a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than using one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) attaches to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. The majority of cribs include a side panel that can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features such as rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only 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 a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.
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, which means it will last a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.