Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed. large bedside cot come with a side that can be put down for easy reach, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the directions were very easy to follow. It was a fast build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions, and simple zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around traveling. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height ensures it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without the need to get out of your bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their baby at night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be very relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some cribs have a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a 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 watch your little one from the peace of your bed. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby up to you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you have lifted the baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to make sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a large design with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabric options to fit your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat before slipping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's important to choose a product that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access all the corners and crevices to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas in which your child could fall down or get trapped.
You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to have easy access to their child during the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with additional features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution, as it can be dangerous if your child gets out of the crib.
You'll also want to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) can be attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. Most will 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 closeness and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings, as well as a handy shelf to store things on. It's also heavier and bulkier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit to aid you. It is also easy to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a 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 so it will last a longer time before my son grows out". She also likes 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 with a little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry on your travels. travel bedside crib -rounder.