Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are connected to the side of the bed. They often have a single side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds into a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set-up, so they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, making 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 simple zips." The crib can also be used 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 fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to easily access your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their child throughout the night but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.
Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to shield your baby from light and noise, which is helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can be accommodated). The large design has an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to suit your baby's position.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabrics that complement your decor. It is also very easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat before slipping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. You should also choose an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas in which your child could fall down or get trapped.
You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. bedside sleeper cot is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their infant during the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When selecting a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than using one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Used bedside sleeper cot are more prone to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
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 sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. They usually feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby, while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's simple to put together with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and is sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.