How we test bedside cribs - Which? - Which.co.uk

How We Test Bedside Cribs

With your baby spending significant time sleeping during the newborn months, selecting the right bedside crib becomes crucial. This is an item that will see frequent use and needs to be both safe and functional.

At Tacviw, we evaluate critical features that determine a crib's practicality. Key factors include easy access to your baby through a drop side, and whether the crib has removable and washable covers, as we assess how well these hold up in washing tests.

The ease of assembly is also essential. We check if the crib can be set up by one person or requires help, especially considering you'll want to avoid a complex setup amid the challenges of caring for a newborn. Additionally, we determine whether the crib includes a travel bag for portability, beneficial when visiting friends or family.

Our testing process is backed by years of experience. We purchase each bedside crib ourselves to ensure that the reviews are completely independent and unbiased.

Explore our detailed bedside crib reviews to discover which models provide the necessary support for your baby.

Best Buys, Don't Buys, and Great Value Bedside Cribs

Best Buys

Bedside cribs that excel in our tests earn the Best Buy designation. To achieve this status, a crib must score 70% or more. However, it's important to read our reviews for any aspects that may affect your purchasing decision. Check out our Best Buy bedside crib reviews.

Don't Buys

Cribs scoring below 45% earn the Don't Buy label and should be avoided. Such models may pose safety risks for your baby. Our reviews cater to Which? members, but any cribs marked as 0% Don't Buys receive a public safety alert, as we believe in informing all parents of significant hazards found in our tests.

Great Value Bedside Cribs

Great Value models perform well, needing at least a 65% score and being 20% cheaper than the average crib costs. These cribs are great if you're after a bargain, with some even achieving Best Buy ratings. Discover our Great Value bedside crib reviews.

Bedside Crib Safety Standards

We replicate current safety standards (BS EN) during our testing. This includes checking cot mattresses against the cot mattress safety standard (BS EN + A1). Although these standards are voluntary, manufacturers are encouraged to adhere to them to mitigate potential risks.

Safety tests assess choking and swallowing threats such as loose zip pulls, alongside entrapment and suffocation hazards.

Assembly and Disassembly Ease

Upon unboxing, we evaluate how straightforward assembly is. We check if one person can manage the setup or if it requires two. Since assembling baby furniture can be exhausting, simplicity is key. We also ensure that incorrect assembly is not possible and that parts are clearly marked to assist with setup.

Build Quality Assessment

We inspect whether the components and the assembled crib feel robust and well-constructed. A wobbly crib does not inspire confidence and safety.

Child Removal and Replacement

During nightly routines, easy access to your baby is critical. We assess the ease with which the drop side operates to minimize any disturbances while placing your baby back to sleep.

Mattress Firmness Evaluation

We start mattress testing by checking its firmness, essential for ensuring your baby remains safe while sleeping. If a mattress is too soft, it could present a suffocation risk if a baby rolls face-down.

Evaluate how firm the mattress is, especially for infants aged four to twelve weeks who may begin to roll over. Proper firm surfaces reduce the risk of suffocation during essential sleep phases.

Ensure a Safe Environment

For comprehensive safety, learn about our electric baby bedside cribs that offer optimal features for new parents.

Moisture Resistance and Airflow

As mattresses endure spills and accidents, assessing their moisture resistance is vital. We examine how efficiently a mattress can prevent liquids from penetrating its layers, impacting hygiene.

Moreover, we test mattress airflow using specialized equipment to ensure it maintains breathability, necessary for your baby's comfort.

Cleaning Ease

Ease of cleaning is paramount; we evaluate how simple it is to remove mattress covers. A straightforward process is vital during unexpected late-night cleanups. We also analyze how the cover withstands multiple washes.

Final Recommendations

Each of these evaluations contributes to an overall score, visible next to every bedside crib review. To qualify as a Which? Best Buy, a crib must score over 70%. Our score breakdown considers the critical importance of both cot mattress and crib safety.