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

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the bed's side. Some have an end that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux. MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag. Easy to assemble They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be set near your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being “super easy to construct with clear instructions and easy zips.” The crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height ensures it can be adapted to any mattress. Some cribs with a bedside feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted so that you can easily access your baby without getting out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their child throughout the night but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping. The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby, and can help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should talk to an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it. A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming your baby down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child. Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is a big selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play is a popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. Cozy and comfortable A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your baby from the peace of your bed. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section as it is easy to lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without getting out of bed. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through. Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements though). Others allow you to lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have a fear of their child falling off the end of their mattress. The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket – is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a roomy design that has an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost airflow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to turn the crib to suit your baby's preferred position. If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that 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 great travel cot, which folds flat and slipping into a bag for easy storage. The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been clearer about the zips. Easy to clean When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the corners. This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Verify that bedside travel crib of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't fall down or get trapped. You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces. Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy. It is also important to make sure that your crib or travel cot 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 do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding. It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions. Versatile A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. Most come with a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features like tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger baby cot. The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with a handy bag to keep it dust-free and clean when it's stored. It's simple to put together with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also simple to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few amenities than other cribs we've used including an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket. Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's “easy to reach the baby during the night for a peaceful feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son gets older”. She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal option for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.