Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
bedside crib to cot cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the bed's side. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag for when you're on the move. It has multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a soothing experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional prior to attempting it.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from light or noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is a big selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get up. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Others allow you to lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who have a fear of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can accommodate). It's a large design that has an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to suit the baby's position.
If you're looking for something a smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabric options to fit your decor. It is also very easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side however it is still compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. It's also a good idea to choose one that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring 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's a good fit with your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
It is also important to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot bedside cot, rather than relying on one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. Most come with a side panel that can be lowered to let you be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with a convenient bag to keep 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 thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few features than other bedside crib travel cot cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be set on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with a little space. It also comes with a handy bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.