Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed. They often come with a side that can be put down for easy access and some even have an incline that's ideal for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are typically simple to set up and are on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. 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." This crib can be used as a portable cot and comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows for breathability, and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without the need to get out of your own bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their infant during the night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
learn here of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and aid them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should talk to your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from light or noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. visite site is a key selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It has five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable, easy to assemble 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 cozy
You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your child towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the risk (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you have lifted the baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase airflow. There's also an integrated reflux setting and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabrics that complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're considering bedside cribs and travel cots, look for ones that have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. It's also a good idea to select a model that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices for an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could slip down or become trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your own bed. This is particularly important 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 for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with extra features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring 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 cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) 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 be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby, while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features, such as tilting, rocking or even converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also heavier and bulkier than the other portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby during the night for a peaceful feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last a longer time before my son grows out". It's also easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.