15 Reasons Not To Overlook Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of the bed. They typically come with a side that can be dropped down for easy reach, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux. MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the instructions were extremely easy to follow. It was a quick construction. It folds up into a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag. Easy to put together Bedside cribs are generally easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was “super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and simple zips.” This crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress. Some cribs with a bedside have an additional side panel that can be lowered, giving you an easy access to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be close to their child throughout the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS). Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it. A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help calm them down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child. Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play, is another popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award. Cosy and comfortable You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby up to you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through. Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you lift baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress. The Luah – which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket – is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. There's bedside cot for twins integrated setting for reflux as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the position your baby prefers. If you're looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It is also very easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly, without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat and slipping into a bag for easy storage. 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 put together, however she did find that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual. Easy to clean Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. You should also select one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny. This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped. Apart from being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their baby during the night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide. When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy. It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding. It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape with time which increases 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 secure and efficient sleep solutions. Multi-faceted A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) attaches to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. Most will feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or include additional features such as 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 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments, and a useful storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with a handy bag to keep it dust-free and clean when it's stored. It's simple to put together with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It is also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It has a few more amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket. Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is “easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it”. She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it an ideal option for those who have small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.