Bedside Crib and Travel Cot Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are attached to the side of the bed. Some have a side that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for reflux babies. MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for travel. Easy to assemble They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being super easy to build with clear instructions and simple zips. The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It features multiple mesh windows for breathability, and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress. Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can easily access your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their infant during the night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping. The majority of models have built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position. A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from noise and light. This can help calm them down. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby. Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is a big selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed. It was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. Cozy and comfortable You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through. Some cribs let you 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 requirements). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their baby falling off the end of their mattress. The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). It's a large model with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase airflow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate the position of your baby. If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabric options that will match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag. The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet. Easy to clean Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's important to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access every nook and cranny to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session. This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could fall down or get trapped. In addition to being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your own 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 parent's bed, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring separate sleeping areas. When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside it is important to consider whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy. Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding. It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that has been handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of 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 referred to) attaches to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. They usually feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. best bedside cot allow you to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen. The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings and a useful shelf for storage. It's also heavier and bulkier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage. The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit to aid you. It is also easy to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few more features than other cribs we've used with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket. Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's easy to reach the baby during the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer time before my son gets older. She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it a great choice for those with small space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.
