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Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of a bed. They typically come with a side that can be lowered down for easy access and some even have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to assemble


They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to stay close to their child at night, but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.

Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.

Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to protect your baby from light and noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.

Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an attractive selling feature for families. 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 that makes it ideal for travel. It also has five different height settings to match your bed, and was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to build, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your little one in the comfortable bed. It's an ideal option for a new mum recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby up to you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get up. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you lift baby out. This is better for parents with concerns about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large design that has an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to accommodate the baby's position.

If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly and without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, but is still quite compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.

Easy to clean

If you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It's important to select a model that is able to be removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to every nook and cranny to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.

This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.

You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.

Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any extra features you might consider useful. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - but remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution as it could be dangerous if your baby is thrown out.

You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than use one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that 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 co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib comes with six height settings as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.

large bedside cot to set up with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It is also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed him without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those with small space. Additionally, it comes with a handy carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.

Member since: Thursday, December 5, 2024

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