Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. They often have one side that can be lowered down for easy reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a fast construction. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are on the smaller side, so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more portable. 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 zips that are easy to open." travel bedside crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be removed so that you can easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and help them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help calm your baby down. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your infant towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn 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 is compliant with the current safety standards). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you have lifted the baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost airflow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and stylish fabric options to match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to read the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped 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 somewhat larger, but is still relatively compact and easy to attach onto your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she did feel the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable that can be machine-washed. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and dribbles. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is easily removed and partially dismantled so you can get into all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't fall down or get trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their baby during the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom take into consideration whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be moved down so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings and a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than the other travel-friendly cribs we've tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also likes the ease of clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it a great choice for those with a limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.