Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to build, and the instructions were very clear. It was a fast build. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to put together
They are small and simple to set up, so they can be set near 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 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 for when you're on the move. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be lowered to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without having to get 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 want to risk co-sleeping.
Many models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be very relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is an attractive selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your infant towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the risks (check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Others allow you to lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who have a fear of their baby falling off the end 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 clip on to divans and beds, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and clever fabrics to match your decor. It's also incredibly simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly, without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. You should also choose an item that can be easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could fall down or get trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. bedside crib and travel cot is particularly important if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
When selecting a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but remember that you should only use this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs include a side panel that can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It has a few more extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed him without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it an ideal option for those with small space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.