Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. They typically have one side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the directions were extremely easy to follow. It was a fast build. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are typically simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side, so they are able to be placed neatly beside 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 put together, with clear instructions and zips that are easy to open." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have a side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their infant during the night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be very comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm the baby. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an important selling point for 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 versatile enough for travelling. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your infant towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you lift 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 Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. There's bedside sleeper cot integrated setting for reflux, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something a smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabrics that will fit your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat and popping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still quite compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, infant sick and dribbles. It's an excellent idea to select a model that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want a bedside crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with additional features you might find useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but remember that you should only utilize this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.
You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than use one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
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 needing to get out of your own sleeping area. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually include a side panel that can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features, such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib has six height settings, as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also heavier and bulkier than other portable cribs we've tried, but 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 with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. bedside cot wooden include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those who have small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.