Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. They often have a single side that can be dropped down for easy reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set up, so they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag for when you're moving. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered to let you be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their child throughout the night but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should talk to your doctor or health professional before attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming the baby. Some cribs have a storage area underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside crib enables you to monitor your baby in the peace of your bed. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you have lifted the baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and beds, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, but is still relatively compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that have a mattress cover that is removable that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spills, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose one that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't slide off or become trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is if it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - but remember that you should only use this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your child gets out of the crib.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that has been handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) is attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be removed to let you see your baby and touch him. cheap bedside cot have the option to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. This crib comes with six height settings and a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it dust-free and clean when stored.
It's simple to put together with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few more amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal option for those who have small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.