20 Resources To Make You More Efficient With Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of the bed. They often have one side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds up into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to assemble

They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be placed near your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips."  bedside crib travel cot  can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some bedside cribs feature the option of a side panel that can be removed to let you be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their child at night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping.

Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a comforting experience for your baby, and can help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful 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 that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help calm them down. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an important selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is a different favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

A bedside crib enables you to monitor your little one in the peace of your bed. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that you can see your newborn through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements however). Some cribs let you keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who have a fear of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specs to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase airflow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to fit the position of your baby.

If you're looking for something smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabric options to match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a bag for easy storage.

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 but is still quite compact and easy to fit onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. It's important to choose a product that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to every nook and cranny for an extensive cleaning and sanitising.

This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.

You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is especially important when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily access their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.

When selecting a crib for your bed take into consideration whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - but remember that you should only use this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.

It is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Versatile

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be lowered so that you can be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some have the option to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features, such as tilting, rocking or even converting into an older baby cot.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings and a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also simple to clean thanks to the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. It has a few more amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.