Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are attached to the side of the bed. They usually come with a side that can be put down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were very simple. It was a fast construction. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're moving. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered to let you easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and aid them sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Some cribs for bedside use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it suitable for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a mom who is recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their child falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to suit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabrics that 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 read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat before slipping into a handy bag.
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 compact and easy to fit onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up although she thought the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and drips. It's also a good idea to choose one that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies for an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas that your child could slip down or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it comes with additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring 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 travel cot or crib instead of using one that has been handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
cheap bedside cot , or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like tilting, rocking or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as an excellent storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than other portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It has a few more features than other cribs for bed we've tested, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also likes how easy it is to clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, which makes it a great option for those who have little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.