Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side. They typically have one side that can be lowered down for easy reach, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the instructions were easy to follow. It was a quick construction. It folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. 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 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 traveling. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height makes it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without the need to get out of your bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their baby throughout the 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 a very comforting experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.
Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise and light. This can help calm your baby down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib enables you to watch your baby from the comfortable bed. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get up. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby 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). you could try these out let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you take the baby out. small bedside cot is better for parents with concerns about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and beds, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). It's a large model with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase airflow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib according to your baby's preferred position.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed 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 compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. You'll also want to check that the crib's sides are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily access their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.
Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is if it comes with extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that was passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this) or changing 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. It comes with six height adjustments, and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's 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 fabrics. It comes with a few more features than other cribs for bed we've tested, such as an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be set on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.