Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the bed's side. Some have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually easy to set up, and are on the smaller side so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to construct with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around on the move. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be lowered so that you can easily access your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their child all night long but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and aid them sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to protect your child from light or noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted 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 has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you lower the barrier and then raise it again after you have lifted the baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and beds, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to suit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and smart fabrics that will complement your decor. It is also very easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.
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. just click the following website found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
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. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to select a model that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access every nook and cranny for a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. foldable bedside crib is also important to ensure that the crib's sides are securely attached, so there are no gaps or areas that your child could slide down or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is particularly important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their baby during the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution as it could be dangerous if your baby is thrown out.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one that has been given to you by another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping space. co sleeper bedside cot can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to 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 however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This one has six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than the other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with little space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.