Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of the bed. They typically 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 test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were clear. It was a simple construction. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and simple zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag for when you're traveling. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height ensures it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that could be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be very relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional prior to attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming the baby. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels as well as conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed, and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib allows you to monitor your child in the comfort of your own bed. It's an ideal option for a new mum recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Some cribs let you keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who have a fear of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The large design has an opening side panel, and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to look up the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat before slipping into a convenient bag.
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 relatively compact and easy to fit onto your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to select a model that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas that your child could slip down or become trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any extra features you might consider useful. Read Webpage tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
You'll also want to ensure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one that was handed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. They usually come with a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just because of its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also simple to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby during the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and how it is sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it an ideal option for those with little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.