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14 Questions You Might Be Anxious To Ask Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

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

MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a fast build. It folds up into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to put together

They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be set next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height ensures it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).

Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.


Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to shield your baby from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.

Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. 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 travel-friendly. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play, is another popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your child towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you have lifted baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to fit the baby's position.

If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a convenient bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and drips. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the nooks.

This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could fall down or get trapped.

You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is particularly 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, allowing parents to have easy access to their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

When selecting a crib for your bedroom take into consideration whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.

You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time and 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

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) attaches 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. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered to let you see your baby and touch him. Some cribs let you keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. bedside cot 6 months plus cotsfortots can also be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek, modern design. This model comes with six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more travel-friendly cribs we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It is also easy to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and the breathable fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great option for those who have small space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.

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