bedside crib and travel cot (additional hints)
twin bedside cot cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed. They often have a single side that can be put down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were clear. It was a simple build. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
newborn bedside cot cribs are usually easy to put together, and are on the smaller side so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to put together with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have the option of a side panel that could be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to remain close to their baby during the night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be very soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to protect your child from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an important selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie, 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 travel-friendly. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib lets you to monitor your little one from the comfortable bed. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as you can easily carry your infant towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can view your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it again after you have lifted baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It is also very easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.
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 to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up although she thought the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. It's also a good idea to choose a product that is able to be removed and partially dismantled so you can get into all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Check 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 it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially crucial when you're using a bedside crib travel cot crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When selecting a crib for your bedroom it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll also want to ensure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot for bedside, rather than use one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) is attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. Most will include a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf for storage. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few more amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also likes the ease of clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it a great choice for those with small space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.