Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the bed's side. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the instructions were clear. Recommended Reading was a simple construction. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and zips that are easy to open." The crib can be used as a portable cot and comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have the option of a side panel that could be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their baby during the night, but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming your baby down. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an important selling point for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also has 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular option. It was nominated 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 a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides which you can see 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 allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it again after you lift the baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed can be accommodated). It's a large design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. There's an integrated setting for reflux as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to turn the crib according to the preferred position of your baby.
If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
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 quite small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's also a good idea to choose one that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to every nook and cranny for a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is important, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could slide down or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their baby during the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
Also, you should ensure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than using one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with 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 often referred to it is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be removed to allow you to see your baby and touch him. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This allows you to 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 like 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 and modern Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable and comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more amenities than other cribs we've used with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal option for those with little space. It also comes with a handy carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.