The Most Significant Issue With Bedside Crib And Travel Cot, And How You Can Solve It
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are attached to the side of a bed. They often have a single side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be set next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to construct, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be removed so that you can be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to be close to their child throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby, and can help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help calm your baby down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an attractive selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It also has five different height settings to match your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble, comfortable and compact. bedside cot reviews is also called a Pack and Play is a popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby out towards you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then raise it again after you have lifted 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 some longer straps than other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to accommodate your baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and popping 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 also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. It's an excellent idea to select a model that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could slide down or become trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is particularly important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with extra features you might find useful. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. bedside crib co sleeper will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective 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 bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. The majority of cribs include a side panel that can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek Scandi design. This one has six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. bedside cot co sleeper 's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it dust-free and clean when stored.
The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few features than other bedside cribs we've tried with, like an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.