Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. Some have a side that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the instructions were simple. It was a fast build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. 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 also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have an additional side panel that can be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums, or those who want 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 built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional prior to attempting it.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming them down. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It also has five different height settings to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it again after you lift baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards 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 accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.
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 found it easy to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and spills. You should also select one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is especially crucial when you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside take into consideration whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
It is also important to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring 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 instead of using one that was passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be removed so that you can feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or come with 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.
large bedside crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our other cribs that are more portable and comes in a convenient bag to keep it dust-free and clean when it's stored.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on divans, making it a great choice for those with a little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.