Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of a bed. They often have one side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are usually easy 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, making them more mobile. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions and zips that are easy to open." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be lowered, giving you an easy access to your baby without having to step out of your own bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be very comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.
Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and noise, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling point for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you have lifted the baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and beds, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabric options to 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 have to read the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into a bag.
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 compact and easy to attach onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles leaky diapers, and spit-up. It is also recommended to choose a model that is easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or areas in which your child could slip down or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed, you should also consider whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Used related webpage are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to is attached 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 have a side panel which can be removed to let you feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not only because of its sleek Scandi design. This crib comes with 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 cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer time before my son gets older". She also loves how easy it is to clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.