Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed. They usually come with a side that can be put down for easy access and some come with an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to put together, and are on the smaller side, so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag for when you're on the move. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access to your baby without the need to get out of your own bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their child during the night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be very soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help calm your baby down. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised 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 a different popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby up to you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that let you 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 and then pop it up again after you take baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to make sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without having to look up any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and drips. It's an excellent idea to select a model that is able to be removed and partially dismantled so you can get into every nook and cranny to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is particularly important in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.
Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with additional features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your child gets out of the crib.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. bedside cot sale will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was handed down from someone else 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 stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping area. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be removed to let you see your baby and touch the baby. Some have the option to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. This one has six height adjustments, and a handy storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
The instructions are simple and there's a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal option for those with limited space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.