Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are attached to the side of the bed. Some have an end that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It also folds down into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina who was one of the 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 crib and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be lowered to allow you to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their child at night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming them down. baby bedside co sleeper come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some cribs for bedside use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an important selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
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 csection, because you can easily pull baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing 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 lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the risk (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then raise it again after you have lifted baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specs to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large design with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase airflow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something a smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will complement your decor. It is also very easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. You should also select one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't slide off or become trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their child throughout the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
It is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most recent standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) is attached to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually have a side panel which can be adjusted to let you see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features, such as tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings as well as a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit to aid you. It is also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for fuss free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer time before my son grows out". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it an ideal choice for those with small space. Additionally, it comes with a handy carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.