Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the side of your bed. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the instructions were easy to follow. It was a quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Easy to put together
They are small bedside cot and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed next to 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 put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're moving. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to 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 the need to get out of your bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their child throughout the night but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to protect your child from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it a versatile travel bed. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your bedside crib co sleeper. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C section as you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of bed. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.
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 standards). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but raise it again after you take baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). The large design has an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to fit your baby bedside crib's position.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any 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 on the larger side however it is still compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces in which your child could fall down or get trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is especially important in the case of a co-sleeping bedside cot wooden crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside, you should also consider whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one that was handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape over time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep 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 a bed. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features, such as tilting, rocking or even converting into an older baby cot.
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 and an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with a convenient 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 using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby during the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It can be set on a divan, which makes it a great option for those with little space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.