Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the side of your bed. They usually come with a side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are typically simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have the option of a side panel that could be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be with their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful in the case of reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A doctor or health professional 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 them down. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing 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 important selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. bedside cot sale , also called a Pack and Play is a popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. bedside cot sale 's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your child towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby 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). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you lift the baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can be accommodated). The large design has 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 set-up for reflux as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that match your decor. It's also incredibly simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly, without needing to consult any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still quite small and easy to put 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
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's an excellent idea to choose one that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access all the nooks and crannies for an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could slide down or become trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially important when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with additional features that you may find useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should use this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your child gets out of the crib.
It is also important to ensure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the risk 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 also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used 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 imposes stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. They usually include a side panel that can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. 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 a travel cot, or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments, as well as a handy storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than the other portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It is also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also loves the ease of clean and is sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with limited space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.