Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the bed's side. They usually have one side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline that's ideal for babies with 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 down to a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and easy zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag for when you're on the move. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be lowered to let you be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their child during the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping.
Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is an attractive selling point for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
You can monitor your child from the comfort of your bed with a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby up to you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you lift the baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to make sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics that will fit your decor. It's also incredibly simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly, without having to look up any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots and bedside cribs make sure they come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and drips. It's important to choose a product that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access every nook and cranny for a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
best bedside cot is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could slip down or become trapped.
You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to have easy access to their infant at night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was passed down from someone else or purchased 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 must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to get out of your bed to sleep. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments, and a handy storage shelf. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also simple to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also loves the ease of clean and is sturdy and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal option for those who have limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.