bedside crib and cot crib and travel cot (related website)
newborn bedside cot cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the side of your bed. They usually come with a side that can be put down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the instructions were very simple. It was a quick build. It folds up into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are typically easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're moving. It has multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be lowered so that you can be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to be with their baby throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be very relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It also has five different height settings to match your bed, and was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to build and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfy
You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's a great choice for moms who are recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you take baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to fit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something little smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabric options to fit your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat before slipping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for best bedside cot uk Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and spills. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect all the corners.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Make sure that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby doesn't fall off or be trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their child throughout the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When selecting a crib for your bedside co sleeper cot it is important to consider whether it has extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
You'll also want to ensure that your cot or crib 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 feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby, while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features, such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as a handy storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when stored.
It's simple to put together with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It is also easy to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried with, like an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great option for those with a little space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.