bedside cot for twins crib and travel cot (have a peek at these guys)
Bedside cribs resemble a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. They often have a single side that can be lowered down for easy reach and some even have an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the instructions were extremely clear. It was a quick construction. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
bedside crib that turns into cot cribs are typically easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to put together with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a travel crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside co sleeper cot cribs have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their baby bedside sleeper during the night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be very soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which is useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming them down. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items 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. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfy
You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it again after you have lifted the baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned 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 bedsteads and divans, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib according to the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something a little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabric options to complement 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 need to consult the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat before 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 simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also select an item that can be easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their child during the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel cot bedside crib bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any 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 passed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be removed to allow you to feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features, such as tilting, rocking or even converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it dust-free and clean when it's stored.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it a great option for those who have small space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.