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 build and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. bedside rocking crib are also 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 simple zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around traveling. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be lowered to allow you to easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be with their baby all night long but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).
Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be very soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to shield your child from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside crib allows you to monitor your baby in the comfortable bed. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who have an apprehension of their child falling off the edge 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 bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib to suit the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to consult the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat and popping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together although she thought the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also select one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with additional features you might consider useful. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should use this feature with care, as it can be risky if your child is thrown out.
You'll also want to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one that was handed 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 cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be removed to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features, such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It is also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few amenities than other cribs we've used including an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on divans, making it a great choice for those with a little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.