Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is connected to the side of the bed. They usually have a single side that can be put down for easy access and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the instructions were simple. bedside cots uk was a simple build. It folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are generally easy to put together, and are on the smaller side, so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to build with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag for when you're on the move. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height makes it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without having to step out of your own bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful in the case of reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm them down. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an attractive selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you have lifted baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting and a 360 swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still relatively compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer about 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 that can be machine-washed. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. It is also recommended to choose a model that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
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 so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to have easy access to their infant during the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When choosing a crib for your bedroom it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but remember that you should only utilize this feature with care as it could be risky if your child falls out.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that was given to you by someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for 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 often referred to) attaches to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered to let you feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like tilting, rocking, or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not only because of its sleek, modern design. It comes with six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are simple and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few amenities than other cribs we've used, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also loves the ease of clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those who have limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.