Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of a bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the directions were extremely simple. It was a fast construction. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to put together
bedside co sleeper are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina who was one of 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." This crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can easily access your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their infant throughout the night but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. 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 if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other 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 and Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby out towards you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you take the baby out. This is a good option for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and beds, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed can be accommodated). The large design has an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabrics to complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble - Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to look up the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits 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 compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, leaky diapers, and spit-up. You should also choose an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there are no gaps or areas that your child could slide down or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll also want to make sure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features, such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just due to its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than some of the more portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It is also easy to clean thanks to the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. It has 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 fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It can be placed on divans, making it a great option for those with a small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.