20 Resources That Will Make You Better At Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the side of your bed. Some have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others come with an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.

MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were very clear. It was a fast build. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to assemble

Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.

Some bedside cribs have the option of a side panel that could be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their child all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.

Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.

A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily carry your infant towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements though). Some allow you to keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.

The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib 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 specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase airflow. In addition, there's 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, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and clever fabric options to fit your decor.  bedside crib and travel cot 's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting 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 attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she did feel the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

If you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots be sure to look for models that have a mattress cover that is removable that can be machine-washed. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and drips. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.

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 connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could slide down or become trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily access their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.

Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features that you may consider useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution because it could be dangerous if your child is thrown out.

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

It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one that was passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over 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 introduces 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 reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your bed. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be lowered so that you can feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as tilting, rocking, or converting into an older crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This one has six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other travel-friendly cribs we've tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.

It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also simple to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son grows out of it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it a great choice for those with little space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.