Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the side of your bed. Some have a side that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
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 testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have a side panel that can be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
baby bedside cot of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and aid them fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help calm the baby. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an important selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It also has 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to build and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a csection, because you can easily pull baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large model with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that 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 turn the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.
If you are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly, without needing to consult any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, however it is still small and easy to put onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there are no gaps or areas in which your child could slide down or become trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their infant during the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it has extra features that may be beneficial to you. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution, as it can be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that has been passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be moved down so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features like tilting, rocking or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings, as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those who have limited space. It also comes with a handy bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.