Three Reasons Why Your Bedside Crib And Travel Cot Is Broken (And How To Fix It)
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to the bassinet that is attached to the sides of a bed. They typically have one side that can be put down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to build, and the instructions were extremely easy to follow. It was a quick build. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are typically easy to set up, and are on the smaller side so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to put together with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag for when you're traveling. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height ensures it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be adjusted to let you be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their child throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and aid them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to shield your child from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to build, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another popular choice, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside crib allows you to watch your little one from the peace of your bed. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the risk (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Others allow you to lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their child falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also bedside co sleeper integrated reflux setting and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.
If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is able to be removed and partially dismantled so you can get into all the corners and crevices to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. 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 fits with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When choosing a crib for your bedroom it is important to consider whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that was handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. 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 is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This model comes with six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many 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 easy to assemble with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son outgrows it". It's also easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be set on divans, making it a great option for those with a small space. It also comes with a handy carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.