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

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the bed's side. They typically have one side that can be put down for easy reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to build, and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a simple build. It folds into a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to assemble

Bedside cribs are typically easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side, so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to be close to their child throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional prior to attempting it.

Many bedside cribs come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm them down. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an attractive selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play, is another popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside crib enables you to monitor your child in the comfortable bed. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that you can see your newborn through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the option of sleeping together without the associated risks (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you take the baby out. This is better for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divans, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib according to your baby's preferred position.

If you're 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 easy to put together - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat before 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 but is still relatively compact and easy to attach onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up although she thought the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is able to be removed and partially dismantled so you can get into all the corners and crevices to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.

This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces that your child could slide down or become trapped.

Apart from being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your own 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, allowing parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.

When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that may be beneficial 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 utilize this feature with care, as it can be risky if your child is thrown out.

You'll also want to ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most recent standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to it is attached 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 standalone crib during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features, such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings as well as a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric.  travel bedside crib  comes with a few more extras than some of the other cribs we've used, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and how it is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great option for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.