Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are connected to the side of a bed. They usually have a single side that can be put down for easy reach, and some have 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, which made it an easy and quick build. It also folds down into a compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side to are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to construct with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're traveling. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height ensures it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. large bedside crib feature a reclining position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your baby from the comfortable bed. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby out towards you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. And the cosiest cribs also have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but raise it again after you have lifted baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and beds, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). The large design has an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If co sleeper bedside cot looking for something smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics that will fit your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to read the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still quite small and easy to put to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles leaky diapers, and spit-up. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could fall down or get trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow 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 take into consideration whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that was passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must 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, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered to let you be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib has six height settings as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. large bedside cot 's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more features than other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". It's also easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal choice for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.