10 Undeniable Reasons People Hate Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of a bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are usually easy to set up, and are on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions and easy zips." wooden bedside cot can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around traveling. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to remain close to their child throughout the night but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help calm your baby down. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your infant towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides you can view your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their child falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure your bed can be accommodated). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps 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 has oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to read the instructions. It is also a great 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 somewhat larger, but is still relatively small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spills, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your own 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, allowing parents to easily access to their infant during the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is if it comes with additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one given to you by another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will include a side panel that can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments, and a handy storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
It's simple to put together with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and is sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal choice for those with small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.