Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed. Some have an end that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the directions were very clear. It was a quick construction. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to protect your child from light or sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. bedside cot wooden has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib enables you to watch your little one in the comfortable bed. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements however). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who have an apprehension of their baby falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require a few more straps than other models (check the 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 also an integrated set-up for reflux, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib to suit the preferred position of your baby.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat before slipping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and dribbles. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access all the corners and crevices to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your bed. This is especially important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their child during the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
When choosing a crib for your bedroom take into consideration whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - but remember that you should only utilize this feature with care, as it can be risky if your child is thrown out.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of 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 increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be removed to let you see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as tilting, rocking or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This model comes with six height adjustments, as well as a handy storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than some of the more travel-friendly cribs we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few features than other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and is sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it a great choice for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy carry bag to take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.