Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the side of your bed. They typically have a single side that can be dropped down for easy reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It also folds down into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are generally easy to set up, and are on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height ensures it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without having to step out of your own bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their child throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.
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 which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
foldable bedside crib that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an important selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it a versatile travel bed. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib allows you to watch your baby from the peace of your bed. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some allow you to lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who have an apprehension of their little one rolling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). large bedside cot comes with an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting as well as the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to fit the baby's position.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabric options that will complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat and slipping 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 compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the corners.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could slip down or become trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.
When choosing a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but remember that you should only use this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your baby is thrown out.
Also, you should ensure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest 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 referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be removed so that you can see your baby and touch him. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib has six height settings as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also bulkier and heavier than other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son grows out of it". It's also easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it a great choice for those with limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.