20 Fun Informational Facts About Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble the bassinet that is attached to the sides of a bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It also folds down into a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually simple to set up and are on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to construct with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a travel crib 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 with a bedside feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted so that you can be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their child at night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a comforting experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
cheap bedside cot can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is a big selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib enables you to watch your baby in the comfortable bed. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have breathable mesh sides you can view your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements however). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you lift the baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost airflow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't need to look up the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're considering bedside cribs and travel cots be sure to look for models that have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. You should also select one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their child during the night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When selecting a crib for your bed take into consideration whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
It is also important to make sure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than use one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) attaches to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features, such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It is also easy to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and is sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those with limited space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.