Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are attached to the side of the bed. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It also folds down into a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to easily access your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light and noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an attractive selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed, and was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to build, comfortable 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 comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you lift baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a large design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabrics to match your decor. It is also very easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat and popping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, but is still relatively small and easy to put to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your own bed. This is especially important when you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached 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 ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed it is important to consider whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby falls out.
You'll also want to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall 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 using one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to it is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. Most have a side panel which can be removed so that you can feel your baby's hand and see him. click for source let you keep the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those who have small space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.