Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble the bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. Some have a side that can be lowered for easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the directions were clear. It was a simple construction. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. twin bedside cot , who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable cot and comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without the need to get out of your bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their baby during the night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling factor 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 suitable for travel. It has 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 known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you lift the baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design features an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib according to the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabric options to match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't need to read the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. bedside cot for twins will keep it clean and free of spills, spills, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to select a model that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could slide down or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your 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, which gives parents easy access to their baby during the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with extra features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall 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 purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape with time, increasing 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
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) is attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some have the option to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have 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 and modern Scandi 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 other comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's simple to put together with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby during the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those with small space. It also comes with a handy carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.