Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the bed's side. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are generally easy to set up, and are on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more mobile. 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 also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It has multiple mesh openings for 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 so that you can be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be very soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm them down. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store 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 feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It has five height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. best bedside cot uk (also called as a pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their child falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost airflow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabrics that match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose one that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access every nook and cranny to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Verify that bedside crib vs cot of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their child during the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it comes with additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to see your baby and touch him. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. The crib comes with six height settings and an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more features than other cribs we've used including an anti-reflux incline, 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 a peaceful feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it an ideal option for those who have small space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.