Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the side of your bed. They usually come with a side that can be dropped down for easy access, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a quick construction. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to put together
bedside cot mattress cribs are usually simple to set up and are on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making 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 simple zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag for when you're moving. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should talk to an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to protect your baby from light and sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an important selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can monitor your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside travel cot crib. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. And the most cozy cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards best bedside cot uk Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large design that has an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the best bedside cot 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 fit to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could slip down or become trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially crucial when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is if it comes with extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your own sleeping area. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can see your baby and touch him. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just due to its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than some of the more travel-friendly cribs we've tested however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it an ideal option for those who have little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.