Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the side of your bed. Some have an end that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to build, and the instructions were very easy to follow. It was a simple build. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are usually easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to construct with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their infant at night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be a soothing experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside cot crib can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an attractive selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It also has five different height settings to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to build and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular option. It was a finalist 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 a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of 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 allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some allow you to keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach 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 spacious design with an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something a little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabric options to match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to look up the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for best bedside cot uk Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that have a mattress cover that is removable that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could fall down or get trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is particularly important in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is if it comes with extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet will not fall 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 passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for 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.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this) or changing into a baby cot bedside for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib has six height settings, as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in a handy bag to keep it dust-free and clean when stored.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night for fuss free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal option for those who have small space. Additionally, it comes with a handy carry bag to take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.