sleepmonth3

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the side of your bed. They usually come with a side that can be dropped down for easy access and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies. MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport. Easy to assemble They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. 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 simple zips.” This crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height ensures it can be adapted to any mattress. Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their child throughout the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS). The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be very comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position. A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from light and noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby. Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it a versatile travel bed. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award. Cosy and comfortable A bedside crib enables you to monitor your baby from the comfortable bed. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth. Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you lift the baby out. This is a good option for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress. The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate the position of your baby. If try what he says looking for something a smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and stylish fabrics to complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as 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 great travel cot that folds flat and slipping into a bag for easy storage. The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer about the zips. Easy to clean If you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable that is machine-washable. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and dribbles. It's also a good idea to select a model that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access all the corners and crevices for a thorough cleaning and sanitising session. This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could fall down or get trapped. Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your own bed. This is particularly important in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas. Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is if it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. For bedside cot crib , some have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt – but remember that you should only use this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your child falls out. It is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding. It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions. Versatile The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be removed to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen. The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib has six height settings as well as a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when stored. The instructions are simple and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also simple to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment. Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its “easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son is out of it”. It's also easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it an ideal choice for those with small space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.