Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are connected to the side of the bed. They typically come with a side that can be dropped down for easy access and some even have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the instructions were very simple. It was a quick construction. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. 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 zips that are easy to open." The crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to be with their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be very comforting for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to protect your child from light or noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
bedside cot wooden for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it suitable for travel. bedside sleeper cot has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers praised it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside crib enables you to watch your baby from the comfort of your own bed. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get up. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Some cribs let you keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have 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 clip on to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). bedside crib travel cot 's a spacious design that has an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to turn the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and clever fabrics to fit your decor. It's also easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed 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 assemble although she thought the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when 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 select one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their baby at night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features that you may find useful. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although be aware 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 make sure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than use one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. Most come with a side panel that can be lowered to let you see your baby and touch him. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as rocking, tilting, or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just due to its sleek Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than some of the more portable cribs we've tried and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also simple to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried with, like an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and how it is sturdy and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with a limited space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.