Why You Should Focus On Enhancing Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to the bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are small and simple to set-up, so they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable cot and comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without having to get out of 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 want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help calm the baby. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling point for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib enables you to watch your little one from the comfort of your own bed. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get up. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but raise it again after you have lifted the baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a large design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to suit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that complement 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 great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits 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 fit into your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could fall down or get trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents easy access to their child at night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When selecting a crib for your bedside, you should also consider whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
It is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall into any 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 susceptible to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) attaches to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be lowered so that you can see your baby and touch him. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. discover this can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more features than other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son is out of it". It's also easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great option for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.