Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are attached to the sides of the bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, while others have an incline that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were extremely clear. It was a quick construction. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. 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 zips that are easy to open." This crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be adjusted to let you easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents 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).
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming them down. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home testers praised it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your infant towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you lower the barrier and then raise it again after you lift baby out. This is a good option for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and stylish fabric options to complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to look up the instructions. bedside rocking crib 's also a great 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 slightly larger than the average, however it is still compact and easy to fit onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. It's also a good idea to select a model that is easily removed and partially dismantled so that you can access every nook and cranny for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your own bed. This is especially important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their infant throughout the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When choosing a crib for your bedside it is important to consider whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head do not slide into 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 passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or 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 day. They usually have a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. right here 's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son grows out". It's also easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, which makes it a great option for those who have limited space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.