Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of the bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an incline that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the directions were extremely simple. It was a quick construction. It folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height ensures it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to easily access your baby without stepping out of the bed. right here is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to protect your child from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is an attractive selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great 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. The MFM home test participants praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby up to you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up 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 is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure that your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib according to your baby's preferred position.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side however it is still compact and easy to attach 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 removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely attached, so there are no gaps or spaces that your child could fall down or get trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.
When choosing a crib for your bedside it is important to consider whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution as it could be dangerous if your child gets out of the crib.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that has been passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.