Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the side of your bed. They typically have a single side that can be dropped down for easy reach and some even have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a simple build. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be set close to your bed. They are also 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 put together, with clear instructions, and easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be lowered to let you easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their child throughout the night but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should talk to a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm them down. Read Webpage come with a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling point for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed, and was praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to build and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
You can monitor your child from the comfort of your bed with a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great choice for moms who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you take the baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can be accommodated). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. There's also click to find out more integrated set-up for reflux 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 looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat before slipping into a convenient 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 also found it easy to put together although she thought the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It's important to choose a product that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access all the corners and crevices to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or spaces that your child could fall down or get trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it comes with extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs 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 is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one that has been passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking, or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This model comes with six height adjustments and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's easy to assemble, 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 has a few more amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also likes the ease of clean and how it is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great choice for those with a small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.