Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the bed's side. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the directions were extremely easy to follow. It was a fast construction. It folds into a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to construct with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can easily access your baby without stepping out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their infant at night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful in the case of reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to shield your child from light or noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. bedside crib to cot &Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed, and was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
bedside cot used and comfortable
You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you lift baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and clever fabrics that will match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as 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 great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.
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 however it is still small and easy to put onto your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and spills. It's important to select a model that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access every nook and cranny for an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby doesn't fall off or be trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is comfortable for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their child at night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed take into consideration whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) can be attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered so that you can feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some have the option to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as tilting, rocking or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not only because of its sleek Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with a handy bag to keep it dust-free and clean when it's stored.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It is also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night for a peaceful feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also loves the ease of clean and is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great option for those with little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.