So , You've Purchased Bedside Crib And Travel Cot ... Now What?

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. Some have a side that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux.

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

Easy to put together

They are small and simple to set-up, so they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be adjusted to let you be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping.

Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.

A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from noise and light. This can help calm them down. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.

Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling feature for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside crib enables you to monitor your child in the peace of your bed. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get up. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you lift baby out. This is better for parents with concerns about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to be certain your bed is able to accommodate).  linked webpage 's a spacious model with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib according to the preferred 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 fabrics to complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly, without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.

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 relatively small and easy to put onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable that is machine-washable. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.

This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby doesn't slide off or become trapped.

You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.

Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with extra features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution, as it can be risky if your child is thrown out.

It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping 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 has been given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving 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 crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also heavier and bulkier than some of the more portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.

The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also simple to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few more features than other cribs for bed we've tested, such as an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and how it feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it a great option for those who have small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.