Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are attached to the sides of the bed. Some have an end that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were easy to follow. It was a quick build. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are generally 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, making them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to build with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be close to their child throughout the night, but don't want to risk 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 very relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
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, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib enables you to monitor your little one in the comfortable bed. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C-section as it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you take baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The large design has an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib according to your baby's preferred position.
If My Web Page are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabrics that match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into a bag.
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 into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. It's also a good idea to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into every nook and cranny for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is especially important if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When choosing a crib for your bedroom take into consideration whether it has extra features that may be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.
You'll also want to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
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 access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be lowered to let you see your baby and touch him. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving 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. Others have additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than the other travel-friendly cribs we've tested however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also simple to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It has a few more amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer period of time before my son grows out". cot bedside loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal option for those who have small space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.