9 Signs You're The Bedside Crib And Travel Cot Expert

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the bed's side. They usually come with a side that can be dropped down for easy access and some come with an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are usually 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, which makes them more portable. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions, and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable cot and comes with a handy bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted to let you easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be with their baby throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).

Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.

Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to protect your baby from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and other clothes 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. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it a versatile travel bed. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your child in the comfortable bed. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily carry your child towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the option of sleeping together without the risks (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you lift baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to turn the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.

If you're looking for something a smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and clever fabrics that will complement your decor. It's also easy to put together. 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. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still quite compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's important to select a model that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.

This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.

You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their child at night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with additional features you might find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.

You'll also want to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.

Read Webpage 's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that has been passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area.  bedside cots  can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that 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 convenient with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. This model comes with six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are clear and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". She also loves the ease of clean and how it feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those who have limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.