Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
bedside baby sleeper cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside 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 mobile. Georgina, who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It features multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums or those who wish 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).
Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position is best bedside cot uk used under supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help calm your baby down. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the option of sleeping together without the risk (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements however). Some allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by fears of their child falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and beds, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed can be accommodated). It's a large design that has an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting and a 360 swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to fit the position of your baby.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that match your decor. It's also easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together in a matter of minutes without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. You should also select an item that can be easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib travel cot crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents easy access to their baby at night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside travel cot crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see 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 however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This one has six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in a convenient bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
The instructions are simple and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs. These include 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 the night for a peaceful feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also loves how easy it is to clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.