Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the side of your bed. They often come with a side that can be lowered down for easy access and some even have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the directions were very simple. It was a quick build. bedside crib travel cot folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to set up, and are on the smaller side, so they can be easily tucked away 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 easy to put together with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable cot and comes with a handy bag. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature the option of a side panel that can be removed to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their infant during the night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be very relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds This is an attractive selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for its comfort, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is a different favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your little one from the comfortable bed. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section as it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who have a fear of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase air flow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabric options to fit your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a convenient bag.
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 however it is still compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that 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 cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to choose one that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into every nook and cranny for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to ensure 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 aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially crucial when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their baby throughout the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed take into consideration whether it comes with extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over 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 stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. bedside crib and travel cot include a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This one has six height adjustments and a handy storage shelf. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it dust-free and clean when stored.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for a peaceful feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also likes how easy it is to clean and is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it an ideal choice for those with a small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.