Three Reasons Why You're Bedside Crib And Travel Cot Is Broken (And How To Fix It)
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. 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 function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around on the move. 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 so that you can easily reach your baby without stepping out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their child at night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.
Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to protect your baby from light and sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard 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 watch your child in the comfort of your own bed. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
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 is compliant with the current safety standards). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you take baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require a few more straps than other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting as well as the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate the baby's position.
If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and popping 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 slightly larger than the average, but is still quite small and easy to put to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. amazon bedside cot will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. It's an excellent idea to choose one that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access all the corners and crevices for an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could slip down or become trapped.
newborn bedside cot is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their infant at night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with additional features you might consider useful. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but remember that you should only utilize this feature with care as it could be risky if your child is thrown out.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) is attached to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. They usually include a side panel that can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just because of its sleek Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when stored.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean thanks to the possibility of washing it in the machine and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.
Jasmin says this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it an ideal choice for those with a small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.