Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of the bed. Some have an end that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the instructions were easy to follow. It was a fast construction. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to build with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a convenient bag. It features multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. co sleeper bedside cot is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be with their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and aid them sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help calm them down. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play is a popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib allows you to keep an eye on your little one from the peace of your bed. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your child towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but raise it again after you have lifted the baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to accommodate your baby's position.
If you're looking for something a little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and stylish fabric options to fit your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble - Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat before slipping into a handy bag.
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 but is still quite small and easy to put onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up although she thought the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots and bedside cribs be sure to look for models that have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. You should also select an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't fall down or get trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their infant during the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When selecting a crib for your bedside it is important to consider whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll also want to ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce 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 also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one that has been handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually have a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. The crib comes with six height settings and an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "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 for a longer time before my son gets older". She also likes the ease of clean and feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.