Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to the bassinet that is attached to the sides of the bed. They typically have one side that can be dropped down for easy reach, and some have an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to put together
They are small and simple to set up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their baby during the night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. large bedside crib &Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it a versatile travel bed. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed. It was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of build, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib enables you to watch your child in the comfort of your own bed. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get up. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divans, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed can be accommodated). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabrics to complement your decor. It is also very easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly, without requiring any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spills, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the crib's sides are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or spaces in which your child could fall down or get 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 especially crucial if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their baby during the night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the chance 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 also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one that was passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard that introduces stricter 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) can be attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. Most will have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy 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 tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This model comes with six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in a convenient bag to keep 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 comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby during the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with a little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.