Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to the bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be 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
They are small and simple to set up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to put together with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be removed to allow you to easily access your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and noise, which is helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. baby bedside sleeper comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfy
You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the risk (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it again after you have lifted baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specs to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting as well as the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to fit the baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and clever fabrics to complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which 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 easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable 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 important to choose a product that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into every nook and cranny for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Make sure that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby doesn't fall down or get trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. baby bedside cot are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom take into consideration whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - but keep in mind that you should use this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your child is thrown out.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than use one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be removed to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. baby bedside crib can also be converted into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as tilting, rocking or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other cribs we've used, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.