This Is The History Of 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 side of your bed. They often have a single side that can be lowered down for easy reach, and some have an incline that's ideal for reflux babies.

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 up into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are usually simple to set up and are on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to construct with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be adjusted to let you easily access your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).

Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and aid them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position.

A lot of cribs with a bedside crib with wheels have an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some cribs have a storage area underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.

Many cribs for Bedside rocking Crib use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

A bedside crib allows you to watch your baby from the peace of your bed. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a csection, because you can easily pull baby out towards you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their little one rolling 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 beds, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can be accommodated). It's a roomy design that has an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. There's also an integrated set-up 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 looking for something smaller in size than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will complement your decor. It's also easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.

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, however it is still compact and easy to attach into your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's important to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the corners and crevices for an efficient cleaning and sanitising.

This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.

It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially crucial when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.

When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside, you should also consider whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.

It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for 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.

Versatile

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby bedside co sleeper. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or changing into an older baby bedside cot cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also simple to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also likes the ease of clean and how it feels solid and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it a great option for those with a small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.