Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are connected to the side of the bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to construct with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.
bedside cot for twins for bedside use a side panel that can be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help calm the baby. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
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&Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your child in the comfort of your own bed. 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 having to get up. And the cosiest cribs also have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a handy 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, 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 mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. bedside travel cot will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. It is also important to ensure 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 baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their infant during the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any additional features that you may consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
Also, you should make sure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) attaches to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be removed to let you see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. This one has six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also simple to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.