Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that can be attached to the bed's side. They usually have a single side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina who was one of the 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." The crib can be used as a portable travel crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows for breathability, and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to remain close to their child at night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light and sound, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It has five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib allows you to keep an eye on your baby in the comfortable bed. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but raise it again after you take baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure your bed can be accommodated). It's a large design with an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase airflow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured 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 it fits with your bed. This is particularly important in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their infant at night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When selecting a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although remember that you should only use this feature with care as it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
It is also important to make sure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one given to you by someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. click to find out more is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other travel-friendly cribs we've tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean thanks to the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few more features than other bedside cribs we've tried including 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 in the middle the night for fuss free 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 likes the ease of clean and how it feels sturdy and well made. It can be set on a divan, making it a great option for those with limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.