Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. They often have a single side that can be lowered down for easy reach, and some have an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the directions were very clear. It was a simple construction. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to set up, and are on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside 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 zips that are easy to open." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around traveling. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature an additional side panel that can be lowered to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their child throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and help them sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light and noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed, and was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib allows you to monitor your little one from the comfort of your own bed. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. And the most cozy cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension 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 clip on to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to fit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat before slipping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, but is still relatively compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to select a model that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When selecting a crib for your bedside, you should also consider whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only use this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby falls out.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall 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 that was passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most recent 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 sometimes known) attaches to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just because of its sleek, modern design. It comes with six height adjustments, and a useful storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
bedside sleeper cot are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby during 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 clean and feels sturdy and well-made. bedside crib that turns into cot 's even designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. It also comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.