Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are connected to the side of a bed. They usually have a single side that can be put down for easy access and some even have an incline that's ideal for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the directions were clear. It was a simple construction. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to construct with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around on the move. It features multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height means it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to be close to their child throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help calm the baby. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's the ideal solution for a mom who is recovering from a csection, because you can easily pull baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the risks (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 lift it back up after you lift baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also simply click the up coming webpage integrated reflux setting as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to turn the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabric options that will complement your decor. It is also very easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat before slipping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, however it is still compact and easy to attach into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in 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. It's an excellent idea to select a model that can be removed and partially dismantled so you can get into all the corners and crevices for a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is important, as it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.
Apart 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 especially crucial when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
When choosing a crib for your bedside take into consideration whether it comes with extra features that may be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - although remember that you should only utilize this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.
It is also important to make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is snugly inserted 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 a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) is attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place 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 can also be converted into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older baby cot.
official source is popular for many reasons, not just due to its sleek Scandi design. This crib has six height settings as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other portable cribs we've tried, but 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 easy to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested, such as an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son outgrows 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 making it an ideal option for those with limited space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.