Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the side of your bed. Some have an end that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the directions were clear. It was a quick construction. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are usually easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It features multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted so that you can easily access your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain close to their infant throughout the night but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from light and sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed, and was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your baby from the comfortable bed. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby out towards you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the option of sleeping together without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Others allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to make sure that your bed will be able to fit). The large design has an opening side panel and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib to suit the preferred position of your baby.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. bedside travel crib will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also choose an item that can be easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When choosing a crib for your bedroom take into consideration whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. For bedside cot co sleeper , some have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but remember that you should only utilize this feature with care because it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
Also, you should ensure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one that has been handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This model comes with six height adjustments, and a useful storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it dust-free and clean when it's stored.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit 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 with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "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 for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those who have little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.