Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of a bed. Some have sides that can be lowered 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 easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds up into a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, making 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 easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be adjusted to let you easily access your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and help them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming the baby. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling point for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed and was 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 is also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your little one in the comfort of your own bed. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements though). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and 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 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and beds, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to fit the position of your baby.
If bedside cosleeper are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will complement your decor. It's also easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly, without having to look up any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat before slipping into a bag for easy storage.
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 however it is still small and easy to put onto your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. You should also select an item that can be easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the corners.
This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll also want to ensure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that has been passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be adjusted to let you be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings and a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it dust-free and clean when it's stored.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. Additionally, it comes with a handy carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.