Why We Enjoy Bedside Crib And Travel Cot (And You Should, Too!)

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of the bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for transport.

Easy to assemble

They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be placed near your bed. They are also 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 put together, with clear instructions and zips that are easy to open."  bedside cots uk  can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be lowered to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.

A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also has 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to build and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your infant towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of bed. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some cribs let you keep the barrier lowered 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 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large design with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to fit your baby's position.

If you're looking for something a smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics that will complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't need to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat and popping into a handy 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 onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, infant sick and spills. It's also a good idea to choose a product that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into every nook and cranny to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.

This is important, as it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the crib's sides are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could slide down or become trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their infant during the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.

Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with additional features you might consider useful. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - but be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution, as it can be dangerous if your baby is thrown out.

You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that has been passed down from another person or bought second-hand.  bedside cots uk  that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS.  bedside rocking crib  must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) is attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be adjusted to let you see your baby and touch him. 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 the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features like tilting, rocking or even converting into an older baby cot.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. It comes with six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than some of the more portable cribs we've tried and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

It's easy to set up with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It is also easy to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and storage space.

Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with a small space. It also comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.