Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the side of your bed. They usually have one side that can be lowered down for easy access, and some have an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It also folds down into a compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be set near 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 assemble with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." bedside crib and cot can be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It has 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 lowered so that you can easily access your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to stay close to their infant throughout the night but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and sound, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an important selling point for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib lets you to watch your baby in the comfortable bed. It's the ideal solution for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby up to you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you take the baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that 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 quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat and slipping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together although she thought the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.
You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although remember that you should only utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby is thrown out.
You'll also want to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time and can increase 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 secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) 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 be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be adjusted to let you see your baby and touch him. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when stored.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those who have little space. It also comes with a handy carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.