bedside crib and travel cot (look at this web-site)
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side. They usually have a single side that can be put down for easy reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be removed to allow you to easily access your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be with their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be very soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store 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 key selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside cot newborn crib allows you to watch your child in the comfortable bed. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can view your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you take the baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won 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 be sure your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib according to the preferred position of your baby.
If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabrics that match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat and popping 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 compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots and twin bedside cot cribs make sure they come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When selecting a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
Also, you should make sure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that has been given to you by someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to leave your own sleeping area. 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 see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot bedside. Other cribs come with additional features such as rocking, tilting, or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This model comes with six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than other travel-friendly cribs we've tested however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's simple to put together with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It is also easy to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few amenities than other cribs we've used with, like an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great option for those with a small space. It also comes with a handy bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.