Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of a bed. Some have a side that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others have an incline that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side, so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making 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 convenient bag for when you're moving. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access to your baby without the need to get out of your bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their child throughout the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a comforting experience for your baby, and can help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. bedside cot newborn should only be used under supervision. You should talk to a doctor or health visitor 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 a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing 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 key selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cozy and comfortable
You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C section as you can easily carry your child towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements though). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you lift the baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The large design has an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabrics that match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat before slipping 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 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 better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is important, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or spaces that your child could slip down or become trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When selecting a crib for your bedroom take into consideration whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your child is thrown out.
Also, you should ensure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. Most come with a side panel that can be removed to let you feel your baby's hand and see him. Some have the option to 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 transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than other travel-friendly cribs we've tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss, 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 a divan, making it a great choice for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.