Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed. They typically come with a side that can be lowered down for easy access and some come with an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to build, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around on the move. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without the need to get out of your bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to remain close to their baby at night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be very comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it a versatile travel bed. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside crib lets you to monitor your baby from the comfortable bed. It's a great choice for moms who are recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you lift the baby out. This is a good option for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divans, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design features an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib according to the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something a smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics to match your decor. It's also incredibly 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 great travel cot that folds flat and slipping into a convenient 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 compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. It's an excellent idea to select a model that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access all the corners and crevices for a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could fall down or get trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly important when you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.
When just click the following post are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom take into consideration whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution, as it can be dangerous if your baby falls out.
Also, you should make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be lowered to let you see your baby and touch him. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and how it feels sturdy and well made. It can be placed on divans, making it a great option for those who have small space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.