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The Ultimate Guide To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs resemble the bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.


MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to assemble

They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a handy bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.

Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers or parents who want to be close to their child throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).

Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and aid them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.

A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm the baby. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds This is an important selling feature 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 and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go 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 in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by fears of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.

The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specifications 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. There's an integrated setting for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib to suit the preferred position of your baby.

If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't need to look up the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

If you're considering travel cots and bedside cribs make sure they have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and spills. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.

This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or areas in which your child could slip down or become trapped.

You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents easy access to their child during the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.

It is also important to ensure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than using one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be lowered to let you feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. bedside travel cot will also convert into a travel cot or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just due to its sleek, modern design. This model comes with six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it dust-free and clean when stored.

The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night to provide a relaxed feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and is sturdy and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those with small space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.

Website: https://search.grainger.illinois.edu/searchaidlog3/sourcelognew.asp?ID=782151&goog--https://www.cots4tots.co.uk/categories/bedside-cot-beds