Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed. They usually have one side that can be lowered down for easy access and some come with an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to build, and the instructions were very simple. It was a quick build. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They also tend to be 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 simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable cot and comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be lowered so that you can easily access your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be very relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted 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 great example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's a great choice for moms who are recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to accommodate your baby's position.
If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly, without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat and 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 fit into your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's also a good idea to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access all the corners and crevices for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
bedside cot newborn is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your bed to sleep. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features, such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This model comes with six height adjustments and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of 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 gets older". She also likes how easy it is to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal option for those who have small space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.