Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are generally easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and easy zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around on the move. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that can be lowered so that you can be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain close to their child during the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping.
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be very soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds This is a big selling point for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib lets you to monitor your little one from the peace of your bed. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get up. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the option of sleeping together without the risk (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it again after you lift the baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded 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 your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy design that has an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. Additionally, it has an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to suit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and smart fabric options to match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't need to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds 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 slightly larger than the average, however it is still compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. It's also a good idea to choose a product that is able to be removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the crib's sides are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When choosing a crib for your bedside, you should also consider whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
Also, you should ensure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in 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 passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) attaches to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your sleeping space. check out your url can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually include a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or even turning 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 and modern Scandi design. This crib has six height settings as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also heavier and bulkier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried with, like an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". She also loves the ease of clean and how it feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal option for those who have little space. It also comes with a handy bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.