Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed. They often come with a side that can be put down for easy access and some even have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the instructions were simple. It was a fast build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to construct, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height ensures it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be removed so that you can easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cozy 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 excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some allow you to lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specs to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large model with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost airflow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to suit the baby's position.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs with a variety of fabrics that complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to consult the instructions. bedside co sleeper 's also a great travel cot, which folds flat and popping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's 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 more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs be sure to look for models that have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, infant sick and dribbles. It's an excellent idea to choose one that is able to be removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to all the corners and crevices for an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you're using 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 soothe them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features you might consider useful. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - although be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution as it could be dangerous if your child falls out.
It is also important to ensure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head will not fall into folds or gaps 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 that has been passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. 4-in-1 bedside crib will have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. bedside crib or cot comes with a few amenities than other cribs we've used with, like an anti-reflux incline, 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 for a peaceful feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last a longer period of time before my son gets older". It's also easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.