20 Things You Need To Know About Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble the bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. They usually have one side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to construct, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag for when you're moving. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that can be removed so that you can easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be very soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to protect your child from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It also has five different height settings to match your bed. It was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib lets you to watch your child in the comfortable bed. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.
travel cot bedside crib 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). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you have lifted baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to 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 large design has an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to fit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabrics that will fit your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly, without needing to consult any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and spills. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or areas in which your child could fall down or get trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your baby and will fit comfortably into your own bed. travel cot bedside crib is particularly important in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their infant at night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any additional features that you may consider useful. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution as it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib 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 keep the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as tilting, rocking, or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It is also easy to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is a great crib because 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, which means it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those with little space. Additionally, it comes with a handy carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.