Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have a side that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the directions were extremely clear. It was a quick build. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are on the smaller side, so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to put together with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. cheap bedside cot comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that can be adjusted to let you easily access your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their child throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping.
Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to protect your child from light or noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it suitable for travel. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed. It was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with a bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby out towards you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you take baby out. This is a good option for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a large design that has an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase airflow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a 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 small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. You should also select an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their child throughout the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that may be beneficial to you. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only use this feature with care as it could be risky if your child falls out.
Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that has been passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to it is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your bed. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel down all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib has six height settings as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it dust-free and clean when stored.
The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few additional features 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 baby during the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it an ideal choice for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.