Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to the bassinet that is attached to the sides of the bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the directions were very easy to follow. It was a fast construction. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to set up, and are on the smaller side so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to build with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be lowered so that you can easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be with their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful in the case of reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should talk to an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to protect your baby from light and sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib enables you to monitor your baby in the comfort of your own bed. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby 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). Some allow you to keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who have fears of their little one rolling off the edge 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 bedsteads but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will complement your decor. cots4tots 's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to look up the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and simple to attach to 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 manual.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that have a mattress cover that is removable that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there are no gaps or spaces that your child could slide down or become trapped.
You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom, you should also consider whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby is thrown out.
It is also important to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your bed. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (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 a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings and a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than some of the more portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer time before my son grows out". She also appreciates the ease of clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It can be placed on divans, making it an ideal choice for those who have limited space. It also comes with a handy carry bag to take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.