Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of a bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually easy to set up, and are on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes 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 simple zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around on the move. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain close to their infant during the night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. bedside rocking crib can be extremely soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is a big selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed, and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your child in the comfortable bed. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the option of sleeping together without the risks (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you lift the baby out. bedside rocking crib is a good option for parents who are concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to fit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabrics that match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and drips. It's important to choose a product that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to every nook and cranny for an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby doesn't fall off or be trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is particularly important when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their child at night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When selecting a crib for your bedroom, you should also consider whether it has extra features that may be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.
You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet 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 cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one handed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to see your baby and touch him. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking or even converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek Scandi design. The 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 some of our more travel-friendly cribs 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 a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.