Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the bed's side. bedside baby sleeper have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others have an incline that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the instructions were simple. It was a quick build. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag for when you're on the move. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be lowered so that you can easily reach your baby without stepping out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their baby during the night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and aid them fall asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help calm your baby down. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling feature for 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 tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib enables you to watch your baby in the comfort of your own bed. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the option of sleeping together without the risk (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but raise it again after you lift baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large design that has an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something a smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabric options to match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to look up the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, however it is still compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to select a model that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the corners and crevices for a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the crib's sides are securely attached, so there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could slip down or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily access their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed, you should also consider whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. For baby bedside sleeper , some have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution, as it can be dangerous if your baby falls out.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping space. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features like tilting, rocking or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. This one has six height adjustments, and a useful storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few features than other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby during 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 is old enough to use it". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it a great option for those who have small space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.