Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the directions were extremely easy to follow. It was a fast build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are generally easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes 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 simple zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're on the move. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have the option of a side panel that could be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to be close to their baby all night long but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be very relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your child from light or sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
A lot of bedside cribs 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 is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your baby from the comfortable bed. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of your bed. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some allow you to keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who have a fear of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the 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 can be accommodated). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to suit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something a smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabrics that will fit your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and dribbles. You should also choose an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the corners.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. twin bedside cot is also important to ensure that the crib's sides are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could slip down or become trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly important when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
You'll also want to make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in 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 new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib has six height settings as well as a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when stored.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it a great choice for those with a limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.