Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the instructions were extremely clear. It was a fast build. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set-up, so they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. 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 be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which is useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and sound, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. best bedside cot uk comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib lets you to watch your child from the comfortable bed. It's the ideal solution for a mom who is recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
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). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but then raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib according to your baby's preferred position.
If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to read the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed 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 also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's also a good idea to select a model that can be removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby doesn't fall down or get trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll want a bedside crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with 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, giving parents to easily access to their baby throughout the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When selecting a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your own sleeping area. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just because of its sleek, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and how it is sturdy and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal option for those with little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.