bedside crib and travel cot [such a good point]
bedside co sleeper cot cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the side of your bed. They typically have one side that can be dropped down for easy reach and some even have an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the instructions were very clear. It was a quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be set close to your bed. They are also 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 for bedside and comes with a handy bag for when you're on the move. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be removed to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their baby at night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should talk to your doctor or health professional before attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from noise and light. This can help calm them down. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside cot wooden use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother&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 a versatile travel bed. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C section as you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to 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 but then raise it again after you have lifted the baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed can be accommodated). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. There's also an integrated reflux setting and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which 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 capacity, but it is small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable 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 clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could slide down or become trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your own bed. This is especially important when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their child at night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with extra features you might find useful. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - but remember that you should only use this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your child falls out.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for your 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 which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside baby bed crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This crib has six height settings and a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". She also appreciates the ease of clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it a great option for those who have little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.