baby bedside cot and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the instructions were simple. It was a fast construction. It folds up into a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also 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 simple zips." The crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access to your baby without having to step out of your own bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their infant during the night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm the baby. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds This is an attractive selling point for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is a different favorite 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 the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. And the most cozy cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Certain 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 who are concerned 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 divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large design with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase airflow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to fit the baby's position.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs with a variety of fabrics that match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat and slipping into a handy 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 easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're considering bedside cribs and travel cots, look for ones that come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. It's an excellent idea to select a model that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to every nook and cranny for an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their baby throughout the night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
When choosing a crib for your bedroom it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that may be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution because it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.
It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in 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 purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than use one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This model comes with six height adjustments, and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other travel-friendly cribs we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It is also easy to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby during the night for fuss free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, which makes it a great option for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.