Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
bedside crib to cot cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed. Some have an end that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the directions were extremely simple. It was a quick construction. It folds into a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be set next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making 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 simple zips." This crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be removed to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of the 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 be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be very comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which is useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help calm your baby down. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
A lot of bedside baby bed cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels as well as conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib allows you to watch your little one in the peace of your bed. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to accommodate the position of your baby.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies for an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas that your child could slip down or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is especially important if you're using a Bedside Crib (https://dokuwiki.stream/) to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with extra features you might consider useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - but keep in mind that you should use this feature with care, as it can be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into 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 an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one that has been passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The twin bedside cot crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be removed to let you see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. The crib comes with six height settings as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested including an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer time before my son grows out". She also likes the ease of clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great option for those with a little space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.