Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are connected to the side of a bed. They usually come with a side that can be put down for easy reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a simple build. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are typically simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making 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 simple zips." This crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
bedside cots uk for bedside use an additional side panel that can be lowered to let you be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their child all night long but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light and noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height settings to match your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known 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 an excellent option for new mums recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that which you can 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 compliant with the latest safety standards though). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then raise it again after you lift the baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase air flow. Plus, there's bedside cot mattress integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 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 another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabrics that will match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to look up the instructions. It's also a fantastic 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 somewhat larger, however it is still compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to every nook and cranny for a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially important in the case of a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with additional features you might consider useful. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should use this feature with care because it could be risky if your child is thrown out.
You'll also want to ensure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than using one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. 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 many of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.
bedside rocking crib to set up, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for a peaceful feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it a great option for those with a little space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.