Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the bed's side. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were very clear. It was a fast construction. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set up, meaning 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 assemble, with clear instructions and zips that are easy to open." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a 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 choice for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and aid them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to protect your child from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie is the 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 that makes it ideal for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of your 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 allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some allow you to lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who have an apprehension of their baby falling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabrics to complement your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly, without needing to consult any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
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 relatively compact and easy to attach onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. It's important to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. You'll also want to check that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could slip down or become trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside it is important to consider whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. For small bedside cot , some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but remember that you should only use this feature with care because it could be risky if your child is thrown out.
It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet 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 used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter 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 easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your own sleeping area. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs include a side panel that can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as tilting, rocking, or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free 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 thanks to the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.