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 side of your bed. Some have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others have an incline that is ideal for babies who have reflux. MFM tester Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for transport. Easy to assemble They are small and simple to set up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being “super easy to build with clear instructions and simple zips.” This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height ensures it can fit on any mattress. Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be lowered so that you can easily access your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain close to their baby throughout the night but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping. Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. 4-in-1 bedside crib is best used under supervision. You should talk to an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it. A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help calm your baby down. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby. Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together, comfortable and 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 comfy You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get up. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through. Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you lift baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress. The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket – is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate the position of your baby. If you're looking for something little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and smart fabric options to complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together. 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 fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag. The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer about the zips. Easy to clean Look for cribs with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is easily removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to all the corners and crevices to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising. This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or spaces that your child could slide down or become trapped. You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. 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 to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces. Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with extra features you might consider useful. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your child gets out of the crib. You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower 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 cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one that was passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions. Multi-faceted 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 sleeping area. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be adjusted to let you feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs let you 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 include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen. The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also 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 free of dust in storage. The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space. Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is “easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last a longer time before my son gets older”. It's also easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.