Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are attached to the side of a bed. They often have a single side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also 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 easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can easily access your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should talk to an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.
Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm them down. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an important selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your baby from the peace of your bed. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who have an apprehension of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.
If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to read the 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 simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up although she thought the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, leaky diapers, and spit-up. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't fall down or get trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with additional features that you may find useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but remember that you should only use this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby is thrown out.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one that was given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. This Web page that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you 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 an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as tilting, rocking, or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only 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 heavier and bulkier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son grows out of it". It's also easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal choice for those with small space. Additionally, it comes with a handy carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.