bedside crib and travel cot (Read the Full Document)
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the bed's side. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an incline that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were simple. It was a quick build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are usually easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." This crib can be used as a portable cot and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows for breathability, and the adjustable height makes it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that could be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be with their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside cots have a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help calm them down. Some cribs have a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an important selling point for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your baby from the peace of your bed. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you have lifted the baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specs to be sure 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 the flow of air. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that will match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a convenient bag.
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 but is still relatively compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. It's important to choose one that is easily removed and partially dismantled so you can get into every nook and cranny for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, as it's the best bedside cots way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby doesn't slide off or become trapped.
You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially important when you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside baby bed crib is whether it has any additional features that you may find useful. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution, as it can be dangerous if your child falls out.
You'll also want to ensure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed so that you can reach 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 removed to allow you to see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. 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 regarding this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib has 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, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it dust-free and clean when stored.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's a great crib because 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 before my son grows out of it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great option for those who have little space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.