Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of a bed. They usually have one side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the directions were simple. It was a fast construction. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually easy to set up, and are on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. bedside crib co sleeper , 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." This crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted so that you can easily access your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their infant throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping.
The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be very comforting for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm the baby. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
A lot of bedside cribs 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 a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another popular choice, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib allows you to keep an eye on your baby from the peace of your bed. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you have lifted the baby out. This is a good option for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specs to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy design that has an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. There's an integrated setting for reflux as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib according to the position your baby prefers.
If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to read the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits 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 however it is still small and easy to put onto 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 with the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. It's also a good idea to select a model that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby doesn't fall down or get trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is if it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your child gets out of the crib.
It is also important to make sure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in folds or gaps 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 has been handed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping space. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually include a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
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 larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in a convenient bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the 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 in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves the ease of clean and how it is sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it a great choice for those with limited space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.