Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the side of your bed. They typically come with a side that can be put down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were very simple. It was a fast construction. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are usually simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side, so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to build with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have the option of a side panel that could be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their child all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be very soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your own bed. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). bedside baby bed let you lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you take baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to fit the position of your baby.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabric options that match your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly, without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
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 small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots, look for ones that have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and spills. It's an excellent idea to choose one that can be removed and partially dismantled so that you can access all the nooks and crannies for a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their child throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When choosing a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
You'll also want to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than use one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or 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 come with a side panel that can be lowered so that you can be able to see your baby and hold him. 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 also be transformed into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments, as well as a handy storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it dust-free and clean when stored.
It's simple to put together with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer period of time before my son grows out". It's also easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those with small space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.