Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a fast build. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to put together, and are on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more mobile. 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 be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be removed to let you be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm the baby. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfy
You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with a bedside crib. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily carry your child towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then raise it again after you lift the baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to fit the baby's position.
If you're looking for something little smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics that will complement your decor. It's also easy to assemble. 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 great travel cot that folds flat and slipping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that can be removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there are no gaps or spaces that your child could slide down or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
When selecting a crib for your bedside take into consideration whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably 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 also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one that has been passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely 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 safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) is attached to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. Most come with a side panel that can be adjusted to let you be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved 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 bit heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.
The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son outgrows it". It's also easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it a great option for those with a limited space. Click At this website is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.