7 Things About Bedside Crib And Travel Cot You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the bed's side. They typically have a single side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are generally easy to put together, and are on the smaller side, so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to construct with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height means it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be adjusted to let you easily reach your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their baby during the night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be very soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light and noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an attractive selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for its comfort, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cozy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby up to you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get up. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Others allow you to lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their child falling off the edge of 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 a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabric options to fit your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to read the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, however it is still compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. It's important to select a model that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, 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 securely secured to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is particularly important in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed, you should also consider whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution because it could be dangerous if your child is thrown out.
It is also important to ensure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
bedside crib with changing table 's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one that was handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can see your baby and touch him. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf to store things on. It's also heavier and bulkier than some of the more portable cribs we've tried and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed him without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.