Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the bed's side. They typically have a single side that can be put down for easy reach and some even have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the instructions were simple. It was a simple build. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side, so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable cot and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without the need to get out of your bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their child throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be very soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help calm them down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
cheap bedside cot are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby up to you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get up. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who have fears of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specifications to make sure that your bed will be able to fit). The large design has an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to fit the baby's position.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs with a variety of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
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 easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up although she thought the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles leaky diapers, and spit-up. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their child throughout the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed it is important to consider whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was handed down or bought second-hand. bedside cots for newborns that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. The crib comes with six height settings and an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in a convenient bag to keep it dust-free and clean when stored.
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 the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as 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 the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those who have small space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.