Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of a bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set-up, so they can be placed close to your bed. bedside crib to cot are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their child during the night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
bedside cot sale of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and help them to fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should talk to your doctor or health professional prior to 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 have an under-bed storage space that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is a big selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib enables you to watch your baby from the comfort of your own bed. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements though). Some allow you to keep the barrier down 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 edge of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It is 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, yet it's small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. It's also a good idea to choose one that can be removed and partially dismantled so you can get into every nook and cranny for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Verify 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 need a bedside crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially important in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When choosing a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - but remember that you should only utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your child is thrown out.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one that has been passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually include a side panel that can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib comes with six height settings, as well as a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in a handy bag to keep it dust-free and clean 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. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
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 is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with little space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.