Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are attached to the sides of the bed. They usually have a single side that can be lowered down for easy reach, and some have an incline that's ideal for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the instructions were simple. It was a fast construction. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. 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 also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height makes it will fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature the option of a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to easily access your baby without stepping out of bed. large bedside crib is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor before you attempt it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming them down. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an attractive selling point for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Others allow you to lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who have an apprehension of their little one rolling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specs to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabrics to complement your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's an excellent idea to choose one that can be removed and partially dismantled so you can get into every nook and cranny for a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas that your child could slide down or become trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their infant at night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.
Also, you should ensure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend 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 most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs 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 about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This model comes with six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a convenient 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 with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby in the middle of 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 loves that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It can be placed on divans, making it an ideal choice for those who have little space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.