Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of a bed. Some have a side that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together 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 transport.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to construct with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted so that you can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their child throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Many models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and aid them sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which is useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor before you attempt it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to protect your baby from light and sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an important selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib enables you to monitor your little one in the comfort of your own bed. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you take baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something a smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabrics that will match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into a bag.
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 however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and spills. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't fall down or get trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When choosing a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than using one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. They usually come with a side panel that can be removed to allow you to see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Cots For Tots can also be transformed into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as tilting, rocking or even converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also heavier and bulkier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's simple to put together with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It has a few more extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried including 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 to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and feels sturdy and well made. It can be set on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those who have little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.