Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the side of your bed. They usually come with a side that can be put down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the instructions were simple. It was a fast build. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions, and easy zips." This crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to stay close to their child at night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping.
Many models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to protect your baby from light or 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 cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play is a popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your little one from the comfort of your own bed. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your infant towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that which you can 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 model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but raise it again after you lift the baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but it does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to accommodate the position of your baby.
If amazon bedside cot seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabrics that match your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat and slipping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together although she thought the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spills, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose one that is able to be removed and partially dismantled so that you can access all the nooks and crannies for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. You'll also want to check that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside take into consideration whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your child is thrown out.
It is also important to ensure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. amazon bedside cot will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) attaches 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 standalone cribs during the daytime. They usually feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks 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 turning 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 crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf for storage. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it dust-free and clean when stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other cribs we've used, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those with little space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.