Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed. They usually have one side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the directions were extremely simple. It was a quick build. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
They are small and simple to set up, so they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their child during the night, but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm them down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also has 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib allows you to keep an eye on your little one in the comfort of your own bed. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards however). bedside cot for twins let you lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you have lifted baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost airflow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to fit the baby's position.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also 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's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side however it is still small and easy to put to 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
When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's an excellent idea to select a model that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it comes with additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one handed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time and can increase 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
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) attaches to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to get out of your bed to sleep. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be removed to let you feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it dust-free and clean when stored.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more amenities than other cribs we've used, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be set on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with small space. It also comes with a handy bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.