Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side. Some have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others have an incline that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their child throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping.
Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be very relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
bedside co sleeper come with a canopy that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help calm your baby down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an attractive selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It also has 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside crib allows you to keep an eye on your little one from the comfort of your own bed. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). bedside co sleeper allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it again after you lift baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large design that has an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to accommodate the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics to 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 requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot that 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 but is still quite compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles leaky diapers, and spit-up. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't fall down or get trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their baby during the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When choosing a crib for your bedroom it is important to consider whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution as it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
It is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than use one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping area. They can be used as a separate crib 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 allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This one has six height adjustments, and a useful storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also simple to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested including an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". She also loves the ease of clean and feels sturdy and well made. travel cot bedside 's even designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those with limited space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.