Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the instructions were very clear. It was a simple construction. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side, so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. bedside crib to cot tend to be lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions and zips that are easy to open." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag for when you're traveling. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be lowered, giving you an easy access to your baby without having to step out of your own bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their infant at night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to protect your baby from light or sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Some cribs for bedside use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play is a popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfy
You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without having 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, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Others allow you to lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have an apprehension of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). The large design has an opening side panel and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate the baby's position.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.
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 simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their infant throughout the night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
travel cot bedside crib to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with extra features you might find useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but keep in mind that you should use this feature with care as it could be risky if your child is thrown out.
Also, you should ensure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. travel cot bedside crib can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can feel your baby's hand and see him. Some have the option to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in a convenient bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help 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 than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last a longer time before my son grows out". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal option for those who have little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.