Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are connected to the side of a bed. They usually have one side that can be lowered down for easy access, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions, and easy zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close to your baby without the need to get out of your bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to stay close to their infant at night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a soothing experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to protect your child from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play is a popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
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 a great option for new mums recovering from a C-section as you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of your bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but raise it again after you take the baby out. This is better for parents with concerns about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something little smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and slipping 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 size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spills, 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 an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
bedside crib with changing table is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could slide down or become trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed it is important to consider whether it has extra features that may be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby falls out.
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 your baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps 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 passed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This crib comes with six height settings as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with small space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.