Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is attached to the sides of the bed. They often have one side that can be lowered down for easy access, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to build with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag for when you're traveling. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be adjusted to let you be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers or parents who want to be with their baby bedside cot all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models have a built-in rocking function. 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 is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.
Some cribs for bedside cosleeper use can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is a big selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to build as well as comfortable and compact. 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 comfy
You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of your bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by fears of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase airflow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate the baby's position.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabrics 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 read the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that can be removed and partially dismantled so you can get into every nook and cranny to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't fall down or get trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside cosleeper crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When selecting a crib for your bedside it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
It is important to ensure 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 the baby's head and feet won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually include a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features, such as tilting, rocking, or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as a handy storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby during the night for fuss free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer time before my son grows out". She also loves how easy it is to clean and how it is sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.