7 Things About Bedside Crib And Travel Cot You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look similar to the bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the instructions were simple. It was a fast build. It folds into a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to assemble

Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums, or those 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 a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.

Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.

Some cribs for bedside use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

A  bedside crib   lets you to keep an eye on your baby in the peace of your bed. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you have lifted the baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specifications to make sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib to suit the preferred position of your baby.

If you're looking for something a smaller in size than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabric options to complement your decor. It's also easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any 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 compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

If you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to choose one that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.

This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Make sure that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.

You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.

Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features that you may consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are 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 get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one that was handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.

Versatile

The  bedside crib , or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be moved down so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib has six height settings, as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.

The instructions are clear and there is a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and how it feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great option for those with a little space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.