The Ultimate Guide To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are attached to the side of the bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds into a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to put together with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have the option of a side panel that could be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without having to step out of your own bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to stay close to their baby throughout the night but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and help them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm them down. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It has 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 is also called a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby to your side 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 lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you have lifted baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child rolling 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 does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specs to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib according to the position your baby prefers.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that match your decor. It is also very easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together in a matter of minutes without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, but is still relatively compact and easy to attach into 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 sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co sleeper bedside cot (why not try these out)-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their child at night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is if it comes with additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than use one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib co sleeper crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered so that you can see your baby and touch the baby. Some have the option to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib has six height settings as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also bulkier and heavier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few features than other bedside crib or cot cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking bedside crib function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son outgrows it". It's also easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal choice for those with little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.