bedside crib and travel cot (https://www.hulkshare.com/Cottonpoet2/)
Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of a bed. They typically come with a side that can be dropped down for easy access and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the directions were very simple. It was a simple build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed near your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more transportable. 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." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag for when you're traveling. It comes with multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be lowered to allow you to easily access your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be with their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it.
Many foldable bedside crib cribs come with a canopy that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming them down. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A wooden bedside cot crib enables you to watch your baby from the comfort of your own bed. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you take the baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards best bedside cot for newborn Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a large model with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to accommodate your baby's position.
If you're looking for something a smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and stylish fabrics to match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to read the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for best bedside cot uk Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up although she thought the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the corners and crevices for a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas that your child could slide down or become trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly 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, giving parents to easily access to their baby at night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When choosing a crib for your bedside, you should also consider whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape over time and can 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 secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib with wheels crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features like tilting, rocking or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib has six height settings as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
It's simple to put together with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son is out of it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.