Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the bed's side. They typically have one side that can be put down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the directions were extremely simple. It was a quick build. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set-up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina, who was one of the 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." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height means it will fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be lowered so that you can easily access your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and aid them sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is a big 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 a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib enables you to monitor your little one in the comfort of your own bed. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's 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 capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers which 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 dribbles leaky diapers, and spit-up. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't fall down or get trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their infant during the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed take into consideration whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - but be aware that you should only use this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your child is thrown out.
bedside cots for newborns 'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be adjusted to let you be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like tilting, rocking or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our other cribs that are more portable and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when stored.
The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It is also easy to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It has a few more features than other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby during the night for a peaceful feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and feels sturdy and well made. It can be set on a divan, making it a great option for those who have little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.