Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side. They typically come with a side that can be put down for easy access, and some have an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the directions were simple. It was a quick construction. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature the option of a side panel that can be adjusted to let you easily access your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and aid them sleep. bedside cots uk have a recline position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult an expert in health or a doctor before you attempt it.
Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
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. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily carry your child towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). 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 are afflicted by a fear of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require a few more straps than other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to suit the baby's position.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped 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 easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. It's important to choose one that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.
You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their infant at night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your child is thrown out.
You'll also want to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than use one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib has six height settings, as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more travel-friendly cribs we've tested, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also simple to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.