Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the side of your bed. They usually come with a side that can be dropped down for easy access, and some have an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are generally easy to set up, and are on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to construct, 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 height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be adjusted to let you be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be close to their baby all night long but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
Most cribs with a large bedside crib have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.
Some cribs for bedside cot for twins use can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds This is an important selling point 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 as well as a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib lets you to monitor your little one from the comfort of your own bed. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your infant towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Others allow you to lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who have an apprehension of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabrics that match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits 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 small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots be sure to look for models that have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that can be removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially crucial when you're using a bedside cots crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their child during the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any extra features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll also want to ensure that your cot bedside or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into 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 a good idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than use one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
The bedside cot mattress crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with a handy bag to keep it dust-free and clean when stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is great 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 so it will last for a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.