Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. They usually have a single side that can be put down for easy reach, and some have an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were very clear. It was a fast construction. It folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually simple to set up and are on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be adjusted to let you be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be close to their child throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be very soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm the baby. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that can be used to store 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 major selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides you can view your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Others allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their child falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to fit the baby's position.
If you're looking for something a smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabrics that will fit your decor. It is also very easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly and without needing to consult any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed 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 small and simple 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
When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's also a good idea to choose one that is easily removed and partially dismantled so that you can access all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside, you should also consider whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution because it could be dangerous if your child falls out.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than use one that was passed down or bought second-hand. bedside crib travel cot that have been used tend to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) is attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered to let you be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs let you keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features, such as tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not only because of its sleek Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It is also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". It's also easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it a great option for those with limited space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.