Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that can be attached to the bed's side. They often come with a side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were very clear. It was a fast construction. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are generally easy to set up, and are on the smaller side so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to construct with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around on the move. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their baby throughout the night but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be very comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm them down. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
travel cot bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling point for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It also has five different height settings to match your bed and was highly praised 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 called as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib lets you to watch your little one from the comfortable bed. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a csection, because you can easily pull baby out towards you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides 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 crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and beds, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib according to the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will match your decor. It's also easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly and without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.
travel cot bedside , 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 attach onto your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she was not convinced that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. It is also recommended to choose a model that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or areas that your child could fall down or get trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
When selecting a crib for your bedroom it is important to consider whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution because it could be dangerous if your child is thrown out.
It is also important to ensure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. Most come with a side panel that can be lowered so that you can see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib has six height settings as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also simple to clean thanks to the possibility of washing it in the machine and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and storage space.
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 so it will last for a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also loves the ease of clean and feels sturdy and well made. It can be placed on a divan, making it a great choice for those who have little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.