Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the side of your bed. They often have one side that can be put down for easy reach and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
bedside cot mattress found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed near your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height makes it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have a side panel that can be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to 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 built-in rocking functions. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and aid them sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should talk to your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of build, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with a bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a mom who is recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can view your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you have lifted the baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but it does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to make sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib according to your baby's preferred position.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that match your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly, without having to look up any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.
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 relatively compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, leaky diapers, and spit-up. You should also select an item that can be easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.
You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
It is also important to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in 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 cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses 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 most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This one has six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also simple to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed him without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". It's also easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it an ideal option for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.