Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the side of your bed. They usually have a single side that can be put down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to construct, 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. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be lowered to let you be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to remain close to their infant throughout the night but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and help them sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
wooden bedside cot that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds This is a big selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to build and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it again after you have lifted baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to turn the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will complement your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly, without requiring any instructions. It's also a fantastic 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 on the larger side however it is still compact and easy to fit onto 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 considering travel cots and bedside cribs make sure they have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and dribbles. It's important to choose a product that can be removed and partially dismantled so that you can access all the corners and crevices to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas that your child could slide 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 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 maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with additional features that you may find useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution, as it can be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet do not slide 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 used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be removed to let you feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. bedside cot mattress can also be converted into a travel cot or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. This one has six height adjustments and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more travel-friendly cribs we've tested however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
bedside cot mattress to assemble with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other cribs we've used including an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed him without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and is sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with little space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.