Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of a bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the instructions were easy to follow. It was a quick construction. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side, so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and simple zips." This crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height means it will fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of bed. bedside cot mattress is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain close to their infant throughout the night but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your child from light or noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. bedside cots uk have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib allows you to watch your little one in the comfortable bed. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby up to you for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you have lifted the baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns 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 bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed can be accommodated). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something a little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabrics that will complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to look up the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed 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 small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs be sure to look for models that have a mattress cover that is removable that can be machine-washed. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. You should also select an item that can be easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.
You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially important when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll also want to ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. Most will have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just due to its sleek, modern design. This model comes with six height adjustments, as well as an excellent storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
The instructions are simple 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 fabrics. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and how it feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great choice for those with little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.