Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is attached to the sides of the bed. Some have an end that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the instructions were very easy to follow. It was a fast build. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set-up, so they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. 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 be used as a portable travel crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height ensures it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be lowered to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be very comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should talk to a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light or noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an attractive selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C-section as it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but raise it again after you take baby out. This is better for parents with concerns 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 beds, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate the baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabrics to match your decor. It is also very easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It is also a great 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 small and easy to put to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with 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, infant sick and spills. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their child throughout the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
It is also important to make sure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head 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 cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your sleeping space. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. large bedside cot of cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs 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 about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. The crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also simple to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed him without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son is out of it". It's also easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with a limited space. It also comes with a handy carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.