Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. They often have a single side that can be put down for easy reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the instructions were simple. It was a quick construction. It folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are usually easy to put together, and are on the smaller side so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and easy zips." bedside crib with changing table can also be used 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 so that you can easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain close to their child throughout the night but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is a different favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your little one in the peace of your bed. It's the ideal solution for a mom who is recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby up to you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Others allow you to lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who have a fear of their baby falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and bedsteads but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. Additionally, it has an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly, without requiring any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
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, but is still quite compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable that can be machine-washed. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. It's important to select a model that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies for an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Verify that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.
You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is especially crucial 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, which gives parents to easily access to their child throughout the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring 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 cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape over time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) is attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be removed to let you be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than the other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It is also easy to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested, such as an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son grows out of it". It's also easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those who have little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.