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 raised for easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the instructions were easy to follow. It was a fast build. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more mobile. 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 simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable cot and comes with a handy bag. It features multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be close to their child all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be very relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help calm them down. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is an attractive selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play, is another popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your little one from the comfortable bed. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get up. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (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 little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate the baby's position.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabric options that will match your decor. bedside cot used 's also incredibly simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly, without requiring any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they have a removable mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It's important to choose a product that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to every nook and cranny for an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any additional features that you may find useful. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution, as it can be risky if your child is thrown out.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will lower the risk 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 purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs include a side panel that can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings and a useful shelf for storage. It's also heavier and bulkier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also simple to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, 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 for a peaceful feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". It's also easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, which makes it a great option for those who have small space. It also comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.