Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are connected to the side of a bed. They typically have one side that can be put down for easy access and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were easy to follow. It was a quick build. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are generally easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. bedside cot wooden includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that could be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be with their baby throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your child from light or sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed, and was praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
bedside crib travel cot and comfy
A bedside crib lets you to monitor your child from the peace of your bed. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who have a fear of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to choose a product that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access all the corners and crevices to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the crib's sides are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could slip down or become trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside it is important to consider whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - although remember that you should only utilize this feature with care because it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one that was handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your sleeping space. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be removed so that you can be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (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 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also heavier and bulkier than other travel-friendly cribs we've tested, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few features than other cribs for bed we've tested, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "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 is out of it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It can be set on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with a little space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.