Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the bed's side. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, while others have an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were very clear. It was a fast build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be placed near your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to put together with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height makes it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside co sleeper cot feature the option of a side panel that can be adjusted to let you easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or those who wish 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).
The majority of models have built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside crib to cot come with a canopy to shield your child from light or sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds This is a big selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home testers praised it for its comfort, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
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 a great choice for moms who are recovering from a C section as you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have fears of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a large design that has an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib according to your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabrics that will match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the best bedside cots Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, however it is still small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots and bedside cot newborn cribs, look for ones that have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is able to be removed and partially dismantled so that you can access every nook and cranny for a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas in which your child could slip down or become trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their infant during the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care because it could be risky if your child falls out.
Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will decrease the risk 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 new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time which increases 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 secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not only because of its sleek, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings and an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than the other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also simple to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested including an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby during the night for fuss-free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and how it feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.