Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have an end that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the directions were very clear. It was a quick build. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're traveling. It features multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be lowered so that you can easily access your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Many cribs for bedside use 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 and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib enables you to monitor your baby in the peace of your bed. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a csection, because you can easily pull baby up to you 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 model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have an apprehension of their little one rolling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large design that has an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to suit the baby's position.
If you're looking for something a little smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and stylish fabrics to complement your decor. It's also easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without having to look up any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.
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 onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spills, and leaky diapers. You should also select one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is especially important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their infant throughout the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When choosing click here for your bedside, you should also consider whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.
Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over 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
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This one has six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also simple to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.
Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby during the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and feels sturdy and well made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with a limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.