Notes

3 Reasons Your Bedside Crib And Travel Cot Is Broken (And How To Repair It)
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the bed's side. They usually have a single side that can be lowered down for easy access, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.

MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the directions were extremely simple. Cots For Tots was a fast construction. It folds up into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to assemble

They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around on the move. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted so that you can be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their child all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be very comforting for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.

Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help calm the baby. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.

Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling point for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It also has five different height settings to match your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to build, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is 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

A bedside crib enables you to monitor your baby from the peace of your bed. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you lift baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a large design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase airflow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib according to the position your baby prefers.

If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabrics that complement your decor. It's also easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat and slipping into a handy 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 compact and easy to fit onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.


Easy to clean

Look for cribs that come with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to select a model that is easily removed and partially dismantled so that you can access all the nooks and crannies for a thorough cleaning and sanitising.

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 sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped.

You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to have easy access to their baby at night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any extra features you might consider useful. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should use this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby falls out.

You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one given to you by another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually have a side panel which can be removed so that you can be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into an older crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. It comes with six height adjustments and a handy storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when it's stored.

It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It has a few more amenities than other cribs we've used including an anti-reflux incline as well as a 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 to feed him without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those who have small space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.

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