Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the side of your bed. They often have a single side that can be put down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. 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 easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side, so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to put together with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're traveling. It comes with multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult an expert in health or a doctor before you attempt it.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming them down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is a big selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It has five height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. bedside crib to cot praised it for its comfort, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called 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 bedside crib. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. 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 co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you lift the 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 Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed can be accommodated). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase airflow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly, without having to look up any instructions. It is also a great 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 capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she was not convinced that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and dribbles. It's also a good idea to choose a product that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When choosing a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution as it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.
You'll want 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 your baby's head and feet 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 instead of using one passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. They usually feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. travel cot bedside crib lets you be close and convenient with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can 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 a variety of reasons, not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This model comes with six height adjustments, as well as a handy storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
The instructions are clear and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It is also easy to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more amenities than other cribs we've used, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for a peaceful feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". She also loves how easy it is to clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.