Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the side of your bed. They usually have a single side that can be lowered down for easy access and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be with their baby throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased 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 fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should talk to a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help calm them down. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an important selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed. It was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib lets you to monitor your baby from the comfortable bed. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Others allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabrics that complement 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 easily stuffed into bags.
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 easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that have a mattress cover that is removable that is machine-washable. co sleeper bedside cot will help keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is easily removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to every nook and cranny for an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Verify that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby doesn't slide off or become 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 crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their child 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 bedside, you should also consider whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than using one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time which increases the risk of 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 secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to see your baby and touch him. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as rocking, tilting, or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings, as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also bulkier and heavier than some of the more portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It is also easy to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son is out of it". It's also easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it a great option for those with a limited space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.