Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the bed's side. They often have one side that can be lowered down for easy access, and some have an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the instructions were simple. It was a quick build. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.
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 who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions, and simple zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It features multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height means it will fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted to let you be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have 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 can recline in a position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming your baby down. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's an excellent option for new mums recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who have fears of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something a little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabrics to fit your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spills, and leaky diapers. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Verify that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby doesn't fall off or be trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their infant at night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Suggested Web site to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.
Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall 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 instead of using one that was handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely 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 introduces stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings and a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in a convenient bag to keep it dust-free and clean when stored.
The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also simple to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for fuss free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". It's also easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.