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15 Reasons You Shouldn't Overlook Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of the bed. Some have an end that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.

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

Easy to put together

They are small and simple to set-up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to easily access your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their child all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).

Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and aid them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline 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.

A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. cot bedside which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside crib allows you to watch your child in the peace of your bed. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get up. And the cosiest cribs also have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements however). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then 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 Mother&Baby Awards for the 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). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib according to the position your baby prefers.

If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.

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 spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the nooks.

This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas that your child could fall down or get trapped.

In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their infant at night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

When selecting a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although remember that you should only utilize this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.

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

It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you 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 transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs 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 just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This one has six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than the other portable cribs we've tried and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.


The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few more extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested including an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It can be set on divans, making it a great option for those who have little space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.