Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of the bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a travel crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their child during the night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm them down. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is a big selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for its comfort, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib allows you to monitor your child in the peace of your bed. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you lift the baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and 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). The large design has an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and stylish fabrics to match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly, without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat and slipping into a handy bag.
baby bedside co sleeper , 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 compact and easy to fit into 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
When you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots, look for ones that come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose one that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices for a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their child throughout the night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should use this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.
It is also important to make sure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat 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 do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to get out of your own sleeping area. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. Most will include a side panel that can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek, modern design. best bedside cot for newborn has six height adjustments and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also simple to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It has a few more features than other bedside cribs we've tried with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it a great choice for those with a limited space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.