Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is attached to the sides of the bed. bedside crib with wheels have a side that can be lowered for easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be placed near 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 assemble with clear instructions, and easy zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag for when you're traveling. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without the need to get out of your bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their baby during the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping.
Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a comforting experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should talk to your doctor or health professional prior to attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to protect your child from light or noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds This is an important selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cozy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with a bedside crib. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who have fears of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.
If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabric options that will match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped 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 somewhat larger, but is still quite compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and drips. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby doesn't fall down or get trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is especially important in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with additional features you might find 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 because it could be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.
Also, you should ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. bedside cot 6 months plus will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than use one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. They usually have a side panel which can be lowered to let you feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
what is it worth is popular for many reasons, and not only because of its sleek Scandi design. This model comes with six height adjustments, and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also simple to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby during the night to provide a relaxed feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also loves the ease of clean and is sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.
