Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the bed's side. foldable bedside crib have a single side that can be dropped down for easy reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are generally easy to put together, and are on the smaller side, so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to build with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that can be removed to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their infant during the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping.
The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult an expert in health or a doctor before you attempt it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble, 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 Award.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib lets you to watch your child in the peace of your bed. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby up to you for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get up. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the risks (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but raise it again after you have lifted baby out. This is a good option for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabric options to fit your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together although she thought the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. It's important to choose one that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies for an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't fall off or be trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their baby throughout the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
When choosing a crib for your bedroom, you should also consider whether it comes with extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.
Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was handed down or bought second-hand. foldable bedside crib that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape over time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be removed so that you can be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. large bedside crib can also be transformed into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings and a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our other cribs that are more portable and comes in a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
The instructions are clear and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as 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 the night for a peaceful feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last a longer time before my son grows out". She also loves the ease of clean and feels sturdy and well made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with little space. It also comes with a handy carry bag to take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.