Then You've Found Your Bedside Crib And Travel Cot ... Now What
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of a bed. They typically have one side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to put together, and are on the smaller side, so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag for when you're traveling. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be adjusted to let you be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to stay close to their infant at night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help calm them down. Some cribs have a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling factor 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, making it travel-friendly. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib lets you to watch your little one in the comfort of your own bed. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier and then raise it again after you lift the baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a large model with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to suit the baby's position.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabrics that complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits 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, however it is still small and easy to put onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed with 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 so you can clean and disinfect all the corners.
This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas that your child could fall down or get trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When selecting a crib for your bedroom take into consideration whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only use this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your child falls out.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your bed. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to feel your baby's hand and see the baby. amazon bedside cot allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. It comes with six height adjustments, and a useful storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel however it comes with a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with a little space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.