Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the bed's side. They usually come with a side that can be put down for easy reach and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to build with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around traveling. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be lowered to let you be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. bedside cot 6 months plus can be a very comforting experience for your baby and aid them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help calm the baby. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the 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 to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get up. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements though). Some cribs let you keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who have an apprehension of their child falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to fit the baby's position.
If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat before slipping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots and bedside cribs make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable that can be machine-washed. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. It's an excellent idea to choose one that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is particularly important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their child at night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
When choosing a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
cheap bedside cot 'll also want to make sure 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 chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as rocking, tilting, or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's simple to put together with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help 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 storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last a longer time before my son gets older". She also likes the ease of clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great option for those who have limited space. Additionally, it comes with a handy carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.
