Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the directions were clear. It was a simple build. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina who was one of 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 crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or parents who want to be with their baby throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
funny post of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help calm them down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it a versatile travel bed. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib allows you to keep an eye on your child in the peace of your bed. It's a great choice for mothers 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 with no need to get out of the bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the risk (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you have lifted the baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards 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 some other models (check the specifications to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate the baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that fit in with your decor. travel bedside crib 's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits 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 compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. You should also select an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas that your child could slide down or become trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any additional features you might consider useful. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should use this feature with care, as it can be risky if your child is thrown out.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must 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) is attached to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. The majority of cribs include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like tilting, rocking, or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek Scandi design. This crib has six height settings and a handy shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal choice for those with little space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.