Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of a bed. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are generally easy to put together, and are on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to put together with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have an additional side panel that can be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night, but don't 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 extremely comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. best bedside cot uk have a reclining position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to shield your child from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is a big selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib lets you to monitor your little one from the comfort of your own bed. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get up. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Others allow you to lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who have an apprehension of their baby falling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to 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 large model with an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to suit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabric options to fit your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to read the instructions. It's also a fantastic 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 slightly larger than the average, however it is still compact and easy to attach into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles leaky diapers, and spit-up. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is vital, 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 the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with additional features you might consider useful. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care because it could be risky if your child falls out.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably 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 purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features, such as tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib has six height settings as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in a convenient bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It is also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for a peaceful feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be set on divans, making it an ideal choice for those with a little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.