Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of a bed. They usually come with a side that can be dropped down for easy reach, and some have an incline that's ideal for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to build, and the instructions were very simple. It was a quick build. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, who was one of 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 function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're moving. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be removed to allow you to easily access your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be close to their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming them down. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. 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 comfy
You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C-section as you can easily carry your infant towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without having to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you take baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost air flow. Additionally, it has 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're looking for something a smaller in size than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and clever fabrics to match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to look up the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag.
go here , shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is able to be removed and partially dismantled so that you can access all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially important when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their baby at night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that has been handed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when stored.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist 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 for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also loves the ease of clean and how it feels sturdy and well made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with a little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.