9 Signs That You re A Bedside Crib And Travel Cot Expert

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the side of your bed. They usually have one side that can be put down for easy access and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a quick construction. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to put together

They are compact and easy to set-up, so they can be set close to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs for wooden bedside cot use an additional side panel that can be lowered so that you can be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their child all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).

Many models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.

Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light and sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.

Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an attractive selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's an excellent option for new mums recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your child towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but raise it again after you take the baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the Mother&baby bedside crib Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate your baby's position.

If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabrics that complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat before slipping into a convenient 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 simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and dribbles. It's also a good idea to choose one that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.

This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. It is also important to ensure that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or spaces in which your child could slip down or become trapped.

In addition to 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 particularly important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their baby during the night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

When choosing a crib for your bedside it is important to consider whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution, as it can be dangerous if your child gets out of the crib.

It is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the risk 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 use one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone 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

A bedside cot for twins 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 having to leave your own 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 to let you see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features, such as tilting, rocking, or converting into an older crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. This crib comes with six height settings, as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also bulkier and heavier than the other portable cribs we've tried and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few features than other cribs for bed we've tested including an anti-reflux incline as well as a Rocking bedside Crib function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal option for those who have little space. It also comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.