Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. Some have a side that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the instructions were clear. It was a quick construction. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side to are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to construct with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag for when you're on the move. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height ensures it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their infant at night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.
Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to shield your child from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds This is an attractive selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it suitable for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. bedside cot reviews praised it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib lets you to monitor your baby from the comfortable bed. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their child falling off the side of 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, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). The large design has an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.
If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to look up the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, but is still quite small and easy to put onto your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and dribbles. You should also select one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the corners.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't fall down or get trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their infant at night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed it is important to consider whether it has extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping space. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features such as rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. This one has six height adjustments, as well as an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. 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 that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it a great option for those who have little space. It also comes with a handy bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.