Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the bed's side. They usually have one side that can be dropped down for easy reach, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. simply click the up coming post folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to construct with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag for when you're moving. It has multiple mesh windows for breathability, and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be removed to let you easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to be close to their child throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be very relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an attractive selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height settings to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby up to you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you take the baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can accommodate). It's a large design with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to suit the baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and smart fabrics to match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, but is still quite compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, infant sick and spills. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or areas in which your child could fall down or get trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their child throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features that you may consider useful. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but remember that you should only use this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your child falls out.
You'll also want to ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk for 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 called it is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to see your baby and touch him. Some cribs let you keep the panel down all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more features than other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son outgrows it". bedside travel crib appreciates how easy it is to clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great choice for those who have small space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.