This Is The Ultimate Guide To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the bed's side. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found the 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 assemble
They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to put together with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have an additional side panel that can be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their infant during the night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and help them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light and noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs have a storage area underneath that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds This is an important selling point for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your baby from the comfortable bed. It's an ideal option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Some allow you to lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabrics that will complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat before slipping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, but is still relatively compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's important to choose one that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the corners and crevices for an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or areas that your child could slip down or become trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is especially important if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed, you should also consider whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs come with 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 risky if your child is thrown out.
Also, you should make sure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one given to you by someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) can be attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features such as rocking, tilting, or 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, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few features than other cribs we've used including an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed him without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.