Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. They often have one side that can be put down for easy reach and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are usually easy to set up, and are on the smaller side so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature the option of a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their infant throughout the night but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular option. bedside rocking crib was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib lets you to watch your baby from the peace of your bed. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you take the baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase airflow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics to complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
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 simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also select an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby doesn't slide off or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed take into consideration whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should use this feature with care because it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
You'll also want to ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.
bedside rocking crib '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. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) can be attached to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. They usually come with a side panel that can be removed so that you can see your baby and touch 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 will also convert into a travel cot or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. It comes with six height adjustments and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit that can be used to help you. It is also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle, 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 him without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and feels sturdy and well made. It can be set on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those who have little space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.