Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble the bassinet that is connected 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 ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were extremely clear. It was a simple construction. It folds up into a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set-up, so they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be lowered so that you can be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be with their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be very comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to protect your baby from light or noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It has 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 test participants praised it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you take the baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy design that has an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib according to the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something little smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will fit your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to look up the instructions. It's 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 somewhat larger, however it is still small and easy to put to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. You should also select one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially slide 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 fits well with your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.
Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any extra features you might consider useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care because it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
You'll also want to make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one given to you by someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to is attached 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 standalone cribs during the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. click here have the option to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also bulkier and heavier than the other travel-friendly cribs we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are clear and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also simple to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and storage space.
bedside cot mattress says that this is an excellent crib due to its "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 grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those with little space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.