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One Bedside Crib And Travel Cot Success Story You'll Never Be Able To
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot


Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of the bed. They typically have one side that can be put down for easy access and some even have an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.

MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport.

Easy to put together

They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. 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 easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without the need to get out of your own bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to remain close to their child during the night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.

The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be very relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.

Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming your baby down. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.

Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to set up and 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 keep an eye on your little one from the comfort of your own bed. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some allow you to lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their child falling off the side of their mattress.

The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design features an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to accommodate the position of your baby.

If you're looking for something a smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabrics to match your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly, without requiring any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a convenient 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 however it is still small and easy to put to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while 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 one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the corners.

This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Verify that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby doesn't fall off or be trapped.

In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.

When choosing a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only use this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.

It is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.

It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than use one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your sleeping space. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This one has six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.

The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also simple to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. cotsfortots comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and storage space.

Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those who have little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.

Read More: https://www.cots4tots.co.uk/categories/bedside-cot-beds