Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the bed's side. They typically have a single side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to build, and the instructions were easy to follow. It was a simple construction. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set-up, so they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. 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 also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be removed to let you easily access your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is an attractive selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib enables you to watch your little one from the comfort of your own bed. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your infant towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can view your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who have a fear of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and stylish fabric options to fit your decor. It's also easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without having to look up any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, infant sick and dribbles. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas that your child could slip down or become trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their baby at night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
You'll want to make sure 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 your baby's head and feet won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than using one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
best bedside cot for newborn is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it dust-free and clean when it's stored.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also simple to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the other cribs we've used, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also likes the ease of clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be set on divans, making it a great choice for those with small space. It also comes with a handy carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.