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Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have an end that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the directions were very easy to follow. It was a quick construction. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be placed close 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 zips that are easy to open." This crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be lowered to let you be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be very comforting for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a
bedside cots uk have a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help calm the baby. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some cribs for
bedside cot for twins use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is a big selling point 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 has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed, and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of build, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib enables you to monitor your child from the comfort of your own bed. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you lift baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It is also very easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a fantastic 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 somewhat larger, but is still relatively small and easy to put 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
If you're considering travel cots and
bedside cots for newborns cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. You should also select one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the corners.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely attached, so there are no gaps or spaces that your child could fall down or get trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is particularly 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 reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is if it comes with additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will reduce the risk 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 new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. Most come with a side panel that can be lowered so that you can feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features such as rocking, tilting, or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings and an attractive 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 a convenient bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also simple to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It has a few more features than other cribs for bed we've tested 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 baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.