Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a simple build. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be placed next to your bed. They 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 put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a travel crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their infant during the night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be very relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.
Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to protect your child from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to build, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is a different favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's an excellent option for new mums recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. And baby bedside sleeper have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the option of sleeping together without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements however). Some cribs let you keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their child falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed 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 simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots be sure to look for models that have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and dribbles. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is easily removed and partially dismantled so that you can access all the corners and crevices for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents, 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 you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - but remember that you should only utilize this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your child falls out.
It is also important to make sure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will decrease 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 recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one handed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape over 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 safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) is attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel down all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. 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 a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf for storage. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable and comes in a handy bag to keep it dust-free and clean when stored.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be set on divans, making it an ideal choice for those with little space. It also comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.