Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the bed's side. look what i found have one side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It also folds down into a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be set near your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to build with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're moving. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have the option of a side panel that could be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be close to their child throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be extremely comforting 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. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional prior to attempting it.
Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some cribs have a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an attractive selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. look what i found has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. 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 having to get out of your bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some cribs let you keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by fears of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the 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 that your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. There's also an integrated reflux setting and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib according to the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and stylish fabrics to fit your decor. It's also easy to assemble. 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, folding down flat and popping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still relatively compact and easy to attach onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer regarding 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. bedside cot reviews will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's important to select a model that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your own bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their child during the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When selecting a crib for your bedside, you should also consider whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your child falls out.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with 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
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) attaches to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just due to its sleek Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also heavier and bulkier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves the ease of clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with a limited space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.