Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of a bed. They typically come with a side that can be put down for easy access, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
They are small bedside cot and easy to set up, meaning they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable cot and comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have the option of a side panel that could be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to stay close to their baby during the night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming your baby down. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
A lot of bedside co sleeper cot cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many 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 travel-friendly. It also has five different height settings to match your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the 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 keep an eye on your little one in the peace of your bed. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. And the most cozy cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it again after you have lifted baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specifications to make sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to suit your baby's position.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat and slipping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for best bedside cot Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up although she thought the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spills, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your bed. This is especially important when you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their infant during the night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When selecting a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only use this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your child falls out.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring 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 crib or travel cot instead of using one that has been handed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib that turns into cot crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking bedside crib (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This one has six height adjustments, as well as an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with a handy bag to keep it dust-free and clean when stored.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It is also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also loves how easy it is to clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, which makes it a great option for those who have limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.