Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are connected to the side of a bed. bedside cots uk come with a side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." This crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height ensures it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to stay close to their child during the night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted before 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 your baby down. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an attractive selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it suitable for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib allows you to keep an eye on your baby in the comfort of your own bed. It's the ideal solution for a mom who is recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you take baby out. This is better for parents with concerns about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib 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 large design has an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to accommodate the position of your baby.
If you are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat and slipping 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 size but is still compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's important to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies for an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby doesn't fall off or be trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to have easy access to their baby throughout the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it comes with additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a 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 with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. Most have a side panel which can be adjusted to let you see your baby and touch him. Some have the option to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib has six height settings, as well as a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in a convenient bag to keep it dust-free and clean when stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested, such as an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful 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 for a longer time before my son grows out". She also loves the ease of clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those who have little space. It also comes with a handy bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.