Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
wooden bedside cot cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of a bed. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be set near your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more mobile. 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 easy zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and aid them sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Many bedside cot sale cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It comes with 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 different popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a csection, because you can easily pull baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you lift baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and 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 perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib according to your baby's preferred position.
If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that match your decor. It is also very easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly, without requiring any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, however it is still compact and easy to fit onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up although she thought the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots and amazon bedside cot cribs be sure to look for models that have a mattress cover that is removable that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, leaky diapers, and spit-up. You should also select one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or spaces in which your child could fall down or get trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
When choosing a crib for your bedside, you should also consider whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your child gets out of the crib.
It is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one handed down from another person 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 should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside cot sale crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also 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 cribs let you keep the panel down all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features like tilting, rocking or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other travel-friendly cribs we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
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 fabrics. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and feels sturdy and well made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great choice for those who have small space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.