Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of the bed. They typically have a single side that can be put down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were clear. It was a fast construction. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain close to their infant throughout the night but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is 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 prior to trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming them down. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you take baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a large model with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. 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 smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly, without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat before 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, yet it's small and easy to connect 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
When you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs make sure they come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the crib's sides are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their child during the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it comes with additional features you might consider useful. 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 dangerous if your child gets out of the crib.
It is also important to ensure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one handed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which 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, attaches to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed. best bedside cot uk can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This one has six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also simple to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby during the night for a peaceful feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer period of time before my son gets older". It's also easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It can be placed on divans, making it an ideal choice for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.