Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the side of your bed. They often have a single side that can be put down for easy access, and some have an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux.
bedside crib travel found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, who was one of the 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." This crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without the need to get out of your bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain close to their child throughout the night but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor before you attempt it.
Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help calm your baby down. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. 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 cozy
A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your child in the comfortable bed. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to fit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will fit your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
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 quite compact and easy to attach into 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
Find cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose a model that is easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or spaces in which your child could slip down or become trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly important when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their baby throughout the night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When choosing a crib for your bedside take into consideration whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll also want to ensure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one that has been given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be removed so that you can be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. This one has six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more travel-friendly cribs we've tested, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It is also easy to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for fuss free feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". bedside crib travel likes the ease of clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it a great option for those who have little space. It also comes with a handy bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.