Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the side of your bed. They often have a single side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were very clear. It was a simple construction. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side to are able to be placed neatly 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 simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature the option of a side panel that can be adjusted to let you easily access your baby bedside cot without getting out of bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be with their baby throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help calm the baby. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
A lot of bedside co sleeper cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it a versatile travel bed. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside co sleeper crib lets you to monitor your child from the peace of your bed. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby up to you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. And the cosiest cribs also have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their child falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib according to the preferred position of your baby.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabrics that match your decor. It is also very easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat and slipping 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 attach onto your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. You should also choose an item that can be easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is crucial, since 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 your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas in which your child could slip down or become trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care, as it can be risky if your child falls out.
It is also important 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 reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than use one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as rocking, tilting, or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
The instructions are simple and there's a handy 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. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.
Jasmin says it's a great crib because 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 wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be set on divans, making it an ideal choice for those with little space. It also comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.