Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of a bed. They often have a single side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were very easy to follow. It was a fast construction. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to put together with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be removed so that you can easily access your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or parents who want to be close to their baby bedside sleeper throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and help them to fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor before you attempt it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from light and sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby bedside crib.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is a big selling factor 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 travel-friendly. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed, and was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as you can easily carry your child towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you 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 raise it again after you lift baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards 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 your bed can be accommodated). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to read the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a 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, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to choose a product that is able to be removed and partially dismantled so that you can access all the corners and crevices for a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside sleeper cot it is important to consider whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should use this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your child is thrown out.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby bedside cot's head and feet 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 relying on one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the latest 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) can be attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to get out of your own sleeping area. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized 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 a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. This crib comes with six height settings and an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It has a few more features than other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for a peaceful feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal option for those who have little space. It also comes with a handy bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.