How To Save Money On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the bed's side. Some have an end that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the directions were very easy to follow. It was a quick construction. It folds up into a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to put together, and are on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have the option of a side panel that could be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without having to step out of your own bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).
Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be very soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is a big selling feature for families. 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 a tummy tilt that make it a versatile travel bed. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another favorite 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 in the peace of your bed. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the option of sleeping together without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Some cribs let you keep the barrier lowered but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The large design has an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib according to your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics to complement your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat and slipping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. It's important to choose one that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to every nook and cranny for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When selecting a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it has extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
Also, you should ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one that has been handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually 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 taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as rocking, tilting, or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib comes with six height settings and a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
rocking bedside crib are clear and there's a useful toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also simple to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal option for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.