Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble a bassinet and are attached to the side of a bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. 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 easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have the option of a side panel that could be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without the need to get out of your bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an attractive selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It has five height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play is a popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with a bedside crib. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your infant towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. And the most cozy cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can view your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you lift baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). It's a large design that has an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabric options to match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to read the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.
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 onto your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable that can be machine-washed. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and spills. You should also choose an item that can be easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there are no gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed, you should also consider whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only use this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.
Also, you should ensure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in 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 a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than using one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces more stringent 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 to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek Scandi design. bedside crib to cot has six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also simple to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for a peaceful feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also likes the ease of clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it an ideal choice for those with little space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.