Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to the bassinet that is attached to the sides of the bed. They typically have a single side that can be dropped down for easy access, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a simple construction. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be set near your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more portable. 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 be used as a portable travel crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. right here can be a very soothing experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming them down. 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 converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is a big selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with a bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a csection, because you can easily pull baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides you can view your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it again after you have lifted baby out. This is better for parents with concerns about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divans, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed can be accommodated). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting as well as the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to fit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and smart fabrics to match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't need to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat before slipping into a handy 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 but is still relatively compact and easy to fit onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. It's an excellent idea to choose one that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas that your child could slip down or become trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents easy access to their baby during the night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
When choosing a crib for your bedroom, you should also consider whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - but keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution, as it can be dangerous if your child is thrown out.
It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one that was passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also simple to clean thanks to the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves the ease of clean and how it feels sturdy and well made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.