Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs resemble a bassinet and are attached to the side of the bed. They often have one side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline setting that’s perfect for reflux babies.

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 also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.

Easy to assemble

Bedside cribs are typically easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside 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 for being “super easy to put together with clear instructions and simple zips.” This crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a handy bag. It features multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be lowered so that you can be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to remain close to their child throughout the night but don’t wish to risk co-sleeping.

The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be very soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.

Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs have a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.

A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It also has five different height settings to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside crib allows you to keep an eye on your baby from the comfortable bed. It’s the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that you can see your newborn through.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you’ve lifted baby off, which is better for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket – is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specs to be certain your bed is able to 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. In addition, there’s an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to accommodate the baby’s position.

If you’re looking for something smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabric options to complement your decor. It’s also super-easy to assemble – Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn’t have to consult the instructions. It’s also a great travel cot, which folds flat and slipping into a convenient bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

When you’re looking at travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that have a mattress cover that is removable that is machine-washable. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and dribbles. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the corners.

This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. You’ll also want to check that the crib’s sides are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.

Apart from being easy to clean, you’ll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent’s bed, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.

Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.

Also, you should ensure that your crib or travel cot 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 don’t slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.

It’s a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.

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The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it’s sometimes referred to it is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be adjusted to let you feel your baby’s hand and see the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. funny post can also be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it’s not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This model comes with six height adjustments and a handy storage shelf. It’s also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when stored.

It’s easy to set up with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It’s also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few more extras than some of the 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 for a peaceful feeding, and it’s larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer time before my son grows out”. She also loves that it’s easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it a great option for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.