Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the bed's side. They typically have one side that can be put down for easy access and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the directions were very easy to follow. It was a simple build. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side so they are able to be placed neatly 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 Lora for being "super straightforward to build with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around on the move. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their child throughout the night but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to protect your baby from light or noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed, and was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to build, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib lets you to watch your little one from the comfort of your own bed. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby up to you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get out of bed. And the most cozy cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can 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 standards). Others allow you to lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something smaller in size than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and stylish fabrics to complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and spills. It's also a good idea to choose one that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there are no gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their baby at night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When selecting a crib for your bedside it is important to consider whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care because it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
It is also important to make sure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. bedside co sleeper lets you be close and comfortable with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features, such as tilting, rocking or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. The crib comes with six height settings and an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean thanks to the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer time before my son gets older". She also loves the ease of clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be set on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those who have little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.