Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed. They often come with a side that can be put down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were extremely easy to follow. It was a fast build. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be placed next to 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 zips that are easy to open." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without having to step out of your own bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their baby during the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping.
Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to shield your baby from light and sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and 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 has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. cheap bedside cot praised it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib allows you to watch your child from the comfort of your own bed. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C section as you can easily carry your infant towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you take baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). The large design has an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the baby's position.
If you're looking for something a smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabric options to fit your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, however it is still compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly important in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with extra features you might consider useful. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution because it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into 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 passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted to let you feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features like tilting, rocking or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings, as well as a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is great 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, so it will last a longer time before my son gets older". She also loves how easy it is to clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those who have little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.