Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the bed's side. Some have a side that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the directions were extremely simple. It was a simple build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually easy to put together, and are on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag for when you're traveling. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be very soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should talk to your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds This is an important selling point for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It has five height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your infant towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the risk (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but raise it again after you have lifted the baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. There's an integrated setting for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a stylish option with oak legs and smart fabrics that will match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down 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 size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. click here found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When choosing a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it has extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has 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 folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than use one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses 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 most recent standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) is attached to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to see your baby and touch the baby. Some have the option to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
The instructions are simple and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. bedside rocking crib is also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more features than other cribs we've used with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those who have small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.