Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble the bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed. They typically come with a side that can be put down for easy reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the directions were very clear. It was a fast build. bedside crib travel cot folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are usually easy to set up, and are on the smaller side so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." This crib can be used as a portable travel crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can easily access your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their infant during the night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and aid them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and sound, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with a bedside crib. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your child towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who have an apprehension of their child falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase airflow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate the baby's position.
If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to read the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side however it is still compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and dribbles. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the corners.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas that your child could slip down or become trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
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 by ensuring that your baby's head and feet don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than use one that was used previously or bought 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.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered to let you be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot. Some cribs have 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 Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust 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 a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal option for those who have limited space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.