Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed. They usually have a single side that can be dropped down for easy reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were very clear. It was a quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions and zips that are easy to open." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be close to their child all night long but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a comforting experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should talk to an expert in health or a doctor before you attempt it.
Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming them down. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
best bedside cot uk and cozy
You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C-section as it is easy to lift your infant 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 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 allow you to lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you have lifted baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards 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 spacious model with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost airflow. There's an integrated setting for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib according to the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabric options to fit your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, infant 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 session.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is particularly important in the case of a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their child at night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll also want to make sure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the chance 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 recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one given to you by another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape over time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. They usually have a side panel which can be adjusted to let you feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs let you keep the panel down all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. 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 even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also heavier and bulkier than the other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested including an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of 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 likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with a little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.