Bedside Crib and Travel Cot Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of a bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for reflux babies. MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to build, and the instructions were clear. It was a simple construction. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport. Easy to put together bedside cot crib are usually easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being super easy to construct with clear instructions and easy zips. The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around traveling. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress. Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to remain close to their infant at night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping. Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position. Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming the baby. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby. Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of build, comfortable 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. Cosy and comfortable A bedside crib lets you to watch your baby in the comfort of your own bed. It's an excellent option for new mums recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without having to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through. Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then raise it again after you lift baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress. The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib to suit the position your baby prefers. If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to look up the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat before slipping into a convenient bag. The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, however it is still compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual. Easy to clean If you're considering bedside cribs and travel cots, look for ones that come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and dribbles. You should also select one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny. This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped. In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially important in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their infant during the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping areas provide. Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with additional features that you may find useful. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution as it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib. You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't fall into any 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. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions. Multi-faceted A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) is attached to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to see your baby and touch him. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. bedside cot crib can also be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features such as rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older baby cot. bedside cot bed is popular for a variety of reasons, not just because of its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored. The instructions are simple and there's a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space. Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer time before my son grows out. She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It can be placed on divans, making it an ideal choice for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.
