Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the bed's side. They often have a single side that can be lowered down for easy access and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to build, and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a fast construction. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to construct with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a travel crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their infant at night, but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise or 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 for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling point for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the 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 peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great choice for moms who are recovering from a C-section as it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. lowest price come with mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements though). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of 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 some other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to look up the 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 somewhat larger, but is still relatively small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It is also recommended to choose a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot slide off 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 particularly important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their baby at night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside, you should also consider whether it has extra features that may be beneficial to you. For check here , some have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution, as it can be dangerous if your baby falls out.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that has been handed down from another person 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 new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. Most will include a side panel that can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as rocking, tilting, 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, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it dust-free and clean when stored.
The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It has a few more features than other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal choice for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.