Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the bed's side. Some have an end that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the instructions were very easy to follow. It was a fast construction. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to set up, and are on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag for when you're traveling. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered to let you be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby at night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and help them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfy
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get out of bed. And the most cozy cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. travel cot bedside crib lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Some allow you to keep the barrier lowered but then raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their child falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the baby's position.
If you're looking for something a smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a stylish option with oak legs and smart fabric options to match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat and slipping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, but is still quite small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spills, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could slip down or become trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When selecting a crib for your bed take into consideration whether it comes with extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been 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 most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
bedside crib to cot -faceted
The bedside crib, or 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 leaving your sleeping space. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. 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 down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as tilting, rocking or even converting into an older baby cot.
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 an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.
The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.
Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those who have small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.