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10 Things Everybody Hates About Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the instructions were clear. It was a quick construction. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.

Easy to assemble

Bedside cribs are generally easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height makes it will fit any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature an additional side panel that can be removed so that you can easily access your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to stay close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.

Many models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional prior to attempting it.

A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help calm them down. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.

Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is an important selling point for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed, and was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and comfortable

You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's an excellent option for new mums recovering from a C section as you can easily carry your infant towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you take baby out. This is better for parents with concerns about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The large design has an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to suit the baby's position.

If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs with a variety of fabrics that match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still quite small and easy to put onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. cots4tots will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, infant sick and dribbles. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the corners.


This is important, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas in which your child could fall down or get trapped.

Apart from being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your own bed. This is especially 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 infant during the night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.

When choosing a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - but remember that you should only use this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.

It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This model comes with six height adjustments and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when it's stored.

The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal option for those with limited space. It also comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.

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