Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the side of your bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be placed near your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more transportable. 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 simple zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that could be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be with their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should talk to an expert in health or a doctor before you attempt it.
bedside cots uk of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help calm them down. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
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, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then raise it again after you take the baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a large design with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting and a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to suit the baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and stylish fabrics to fit your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to consult the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, but is still quite small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. You should also select an item that can be easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could slide down or become trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly important in the case of 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 infant throughout the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with additional features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
wooden bedside cot is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower 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 passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just due to its sleek, modern design. It comes with six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when stored.
The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit included to assist you. It is also easy to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it a great choice for those with a little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.