Bedside Crib and Travel CotBedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side. Some have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others come with an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were clear. It was a quick build. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes 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 zips that are easy to open." This crib can be used as a travel crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some
bedside co sleeper cot cribs have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain close to their infant during the night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be a soothing experience for your baby, and can help them sleep. 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, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels, conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it suitable for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers praised it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cozy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get up. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you have lifted the baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specs to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and popping 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 somewhat larger, but is still relatively compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots or
bedside baby sleeper cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Make sure that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your own bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily access their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any additional features that you may consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The
bedside crib with changing table crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can see and touch your
baby bedside sleeper. Some have the option to keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as a handy storage shelf. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
The instructions are simple and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also simple to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby during the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also appreciates the ease of clean and how it feels sturdy and well made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.