Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have an end that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an incline that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the instructions were very easy to follow. It was a quick build. It also folds down into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually easy to put together, and are on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. 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." The crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be removed so that you can easily access your baby without having to get out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to remain close to their infant at night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be very relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming them down. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib allows you to monitor your baby in the comfortable bed. 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 them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you have lifted the baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to fit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics to fit your decor. It is also very easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly, without requiring 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 easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. travel cot bedside will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's important to choose a product that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their child during the night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but remember that you should only use this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your child is thrown out.
You'll also want to make sure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one handed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your bed. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this), or 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, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also bulkier and heavier than some of the more portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit that can be used to help you. It is also easy to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". It's also easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those who have little space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.