Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed. They often have one side that can be put down for easy access, and some have an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
They are small and simple to set up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "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 convenient bag to carry it around on the move. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have the option of a side panel that could be lowered, giving you an easy access to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their child all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside. click through the next web site 's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have breathable mesh sides you can view your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you lift the baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib in accordance with 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 smart fabric options to match your decor. It's also easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits 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 but is still relatively compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together 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 you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. It's also a good idea to choose a product that is able to be removed and partially dismantled so you can get into every nook and cranny for a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby doesn't fall off or be trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their infant during the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When selecting a crib for your bedroom it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but remember that you should only use this feature with care because it could be risky if your child falls out.
It is also important to make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the risk 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 buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just due to its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings and a useful shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also simple to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby during the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.