Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the side of your bed. They often come with a side that can be dropped down for easy reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the instructions were extremely easy to follow. It was a quick construction. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually simple to set up and are on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It has multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature the option of a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to 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 with their baby 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 have a built-in rocking function. This can be very relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to protect your baby from light or noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it a versatile travel bed. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib lets you to monitor your little one in the peace of your bed. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your child towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements however). Some cribs let you keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib according to the preferred position of your baby.
If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat before slipping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side however it is still compact and easy to fit to your bed. my explanation found it easy to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and spills. It's an excellent idea to choose one that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is important, as it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas in which your child could fall down or get trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your own bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents easy access to their infant during the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When selecting a crib for your bedroom it is important to consider whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution as it could be dangerous if your baby is thrown out.
It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with 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 mattress as it's sometimes referred to it is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as tilting, rocking or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are simple 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 fabrics. It comes with a few more extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your 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 grows out of it". She also likes the ease of clean and is sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes 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.