Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of the bed. They typically have a single side that can be lowered down for easy reach, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a fast build. It folds down to an extremely 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 placed 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 assemble, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be with their baby throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
Some cribs for bedside use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib lets you to monitor your little one in the comfort of your own bed. It's a great choice for moms who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements though). Some cribs let you keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who have a fear of their baby falling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to turn the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to read the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed 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, however it is still compact and easy to attach into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together although she thought the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots and bedside cribs be sure to look for models that have a mattress cover that is removable that is machine-washable. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. best bedside cot 's an excellent idea to select a model that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby doesn't fall down or get trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to have easy access to their child during the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was given to you by someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. Most will have a side panel that can be moved down so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib comes with six height settings as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it dust-free and clean when stored.
The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.