Bedside Crib and Travel Cot Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are connected to the side of the bed. Some have an end that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux. MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag. Easy to put together They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. 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 zips that are easy to open. The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag for when you're moving. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress. Some bedside cribs have an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their child during the night, but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping. cot bedside come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it. Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to protect your child from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby. Some cribs for bedside use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an important selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for its comfort, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. Cosy and comfy A bedside crib lets you to monitor your child from the peace of your bed. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that let you view your baby's face 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, but raise it again after you have lifted the baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress. The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib to suit your baby's preferred position. If you're looking for something a little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics that will complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to consult the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags. The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still relatively compact and easy to fit to 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 If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising. This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby doesn't slide off or become trapped. It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their infant during the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide. Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be 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 reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping 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 use 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 of SIDS. All new cribs must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions. Multi-faceted The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen. The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored. The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few features than other bedside cribs we've tried with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket. Jasmin says this is a great crib because it's easy to reach your baby during the night to feed him without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son outgrows it. She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great option for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.
