7 Things About Bedside Crib And Travel Cot You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the bed's side. Some have an end that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the instructions were simple. It was a fast build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set up, so they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to build with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be lowered to let you easily access your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their child throughout the night but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should talk to an expert in health or a doctor before you attempt it.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to protect your baby from light or sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It has 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 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 a pack and play) is another popular choice, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib allows you to keep an eye on your little one from the comfort of your own bed. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some allow you to lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their child falling off the end of 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, but does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to make sure that your bed will be able to fit). The large design has an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib according to the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics to match your decor. It's also easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly, without having to look up any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side however it is still compact and easy to fit onto your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots and bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and spills. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the corners.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their infant throughout the night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When selecting a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in 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 relying on one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current 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) attaches to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. They usually come with a side panel that can be lowered to let you feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. It comes with six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when stored.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also simple to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. foldable bedside crib 's designed to fit on a divan, which makes it a great option for those who have limited space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.