The Top Reasons People Succeed On The Bedside Crib And Travel Cot Industry

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs resemble a bassinet and are attached to the sides of the bed. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to put together

They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed near your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "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 comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some bedside cribs have the option of a side panel that could be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be close to their child throughout the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).

Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be very comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.

A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming your baby down. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store 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 a big selling feature for families.  bedside co sleeper cot , winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It has five height adjustments that can be adjusted 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 as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

A bedside crib lets you to watch your child from the comfortable bed. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements however). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their child falling off the end of their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to bedsteads and divans, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib according to your baby's preferred position.

If you're looking for something little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabric options to complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat and slipping into a convenient 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 quite compact and easy to attach onto your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, infant sick and drips. It's also a good idea to choose one that is easily removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.

This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.

It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their baby throughout the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.

Also, you should ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping 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 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 of SIDS. All new cribs must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings as well as a useful 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 convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.

It's easy to set up with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It is also easy to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.

Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby during the night for fuss-free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it a great choice for those with a limited space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.