15 Reasons You Shouldn't Ignore Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the side of your bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are generally easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to build, 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 on the move. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit 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 get out of your bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be close to their child throughout the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).

Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor before you attempt it.

Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.

Some cribs for bedside use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an attractive selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it a versatile travel bed. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play, is another popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and comfy

You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a new mum recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who have fears of their child falling off the end of their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to suit your baby's position.

If you're looking for something a smaller in size than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics to fit your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to read the 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 somewhat larger, however it is still small and easy to put onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. You should also choose an item that can be easily disassembled to allow you to 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. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't fall down or get trapped.

bedside cosleeper 'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their infant throughout the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any extra features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.

Also, you should make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger baby cot.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib comes with six height settings and an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.

It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "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 grows out". She also likes the ease of clean and how it feels sturdy and well made. It can be set on divans, making it a great option for those with a little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.