Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to the bassinet that is attached to the sides of a bed. They usually have a single side that can be put down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a simple construction. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are generally easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. 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 easy zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their child throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help calm your baby down. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
Many cribs for bedside use 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 is a prime example. It has removable side panels, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it a versatile travel bed. It has five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play is a popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of your bed. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you lift the baby out. This is better for parents with concerns about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to turn the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.
If you are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat and popping into a convenient bag.
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 found it easy to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots or 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, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to select a model that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access all the corners and crevices to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is particularly important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When choosing a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it comes with extra features that may be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but remember that you should only use this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your child falls out.
Also, you should ensure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce 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 new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most recent standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed to sleep. 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 see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. The crib comes with six height settings as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
It's simple to put together, 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 and a rocking feature and storage space.
bedside cot wooden says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby during the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal option for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.