Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
bedside travel crib cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of a bed. Some have an end that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others have an incline that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were simple. It was a simple construction. It also folds down into a compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
They are small and simple to set-up, so they can be placed close 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 assemble with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're traveling. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height ensures it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be with their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside co sleeper have a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm them down. Some cribs have a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another popular choice, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib lets you to watch your child from the comfort of your own bed. It's the ideal solution for a mom who is recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get up. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Some allow you to keep the barrier lowered 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 end of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to make sure that your bed will be able to fit). The large design has an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to turn the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds 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 slightly larger than the average, but is still quite compact and easy to attach into your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cot crib cribs, look for ones that have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. It is also important to ensure that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or areas where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their infant during the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When choosing a crib for your bed take into consideration whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.
Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs include a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features like tilting, rocking, or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek Scandi design. This model comes with six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our other cribs that are more portable and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when stored.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also simple to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with a little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.