Why We Our Love For Bedside Crib And Travel Cot (And You Should Also!)

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of a bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the directions were clear. It was a quick build. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are typically easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height makes it will fit any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to remain close to their child throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping.

Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.

A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs have a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing 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 major selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and comfy

You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get up. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that let you see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you take the baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a large model with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. There's an integrated setting for reflux as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib to suit the preferred position of your baby.

If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits 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 small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots be sure to look for models that have a removable mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.

This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your own bed. This is particularly important in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their child during the night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.

Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with extra features you might consider useful. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your child falls out.

It is also important to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.

It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was handed down 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 imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to see your baby and touch him. Some have the option to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as tilting, rocking, or converting into an older baby cot.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek design in Scandi.  bedside baby sleeper  has six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it dust-free and clean when stored.

The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son outgrows 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, which makes it an ideal choice for those with little space. It also comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.