Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the side of your bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the instructions were extremely clear. It was a fast build. travel bedside crib folds down into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are generally easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side to are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to construct with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around on the move. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to easily access your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their child throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Many models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and aid them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful in the case of reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should talk to your doctor or health professional before attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm the baby. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to build and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the option of sleeping together without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then raise it again after you lift the baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure your bed can be accommodated). It's a large model with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost airflow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to accommodate the baby's position.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat before slipping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still quite compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles leaky diapers, and spit-up. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely attached, so there are no gaps or areas in which your child could fall down or get trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that 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 connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their baby during the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it comes with additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
It is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that has been given to you by someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. co sleeper bedside cot can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be removed to allow you to see your baby and touch him. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as a handy storage shelf. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's simple to put together with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It is also easy to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It has a few more features than other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer period of time before my son grows out". It's also easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great option for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.