Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. Some have a side that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the directions were clear. It was a quick construction. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
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, which makes them more transportable. 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." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height ensures it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted so that you can easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be with their baby all night long but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should talk to an expert in health or a doctor before you attempt it.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is a big selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and cozy
You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your bedside travel crib. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C-section as it is easy to lift your infant towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Others allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their baby falling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something a smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabric options to match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat and popping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, but is still quite compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're considering bedside cribs and travel cots make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need a cheap bedside cot crib that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is especially crucial when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their child during the night to feed and soothe their baby bedside crib while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When choosing a crib for your bedside it is important to consider whether it has extra features that may be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby falls out.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be lowered to let you feel your baby's hand and see him. Some have the option to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. It comes with six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It has a few more amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested including an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also loves the ease of clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.