Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble a bassinet and are attached to the side of a bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were very clear. It was a simple construction. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
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 the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to remain close to their baby at night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping.
Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be very comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful in the case of reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes 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 which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great choice for moms who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but raise it again after you have lifted baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. Additionally, it has 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 a little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabrics to fit your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat and slipping into a handy 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 set up although she thought 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 when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and spills. It's also a good idea to choose a product that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is especially important in the case of a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their baby during the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
When selecting a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should use this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.
It is important to make sure 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 the baby's head and feet won't get caught in 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 using one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be removed to let you feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This crib has six height settings as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also heavier and bulkier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also simple to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "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 until my son outgrows it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. small bedside cot can be placed on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those who have little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.