Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of the bed. They typically have a single side that can be lowered down for easy access and some come with an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a travel crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that could be lowered, giving you an easy access to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be with their baby throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm them down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It also has five different height settings to match your bed. It was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play is a popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get up. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who have fears of their little one rolling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to turn the crib to suit the preferred position of your baby.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, but is still quite small and easy to put to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It's important to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. url is particularly important if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. cot for bedside are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is if it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
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 decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than using one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. They usually include a side panel that can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. 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 about this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This one has six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with 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 the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed him without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it a great choice for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.