Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of a bed. They usually come with a side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
visite site found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are generally easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to put together with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be removed to let you be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to stay close to their infant during the night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be very relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to protect your child from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an important selling point for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of build, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as you can easily carry your infant towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without getting out of bed. The most cozy 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 with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some allow you to keep the barrier lowered but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate the position of your baby.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs with a variety of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to read the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs be sure to look for models that have a mattress cover that is removable that can be machine-washed. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. It's an excellent 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 a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces that your child could slip down or become trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution because it could be risky if your child is thrown out.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was given to you by another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually 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 down all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This model comes with six height adjustments, as well as an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and a handy toolkit 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 more amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It can be set on divans, making it a great choice for those with limited space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.