Is Technology Making Bedside Crib And Travel Cot Better Or Worse?

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the bed's side. They usually come with a side that can be dropped down for easy access and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the directions were very clear. It was a fast construction. It folds up into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to put together

They are compact and easy to set-up, so they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable.  bedside crib travel cot  of our MFM home test participants, 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 crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It features multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some bedside cribs feature the option of a side panel that can be lowered so that you can easily access your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor before you attempt it.

Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help calm them down. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.

Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an attractive selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of build and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and cozy

You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your baby towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Some cribs let you keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. Additionally, it has an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to suit your baby's position.

If you're looking for something a smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and clever fabrics to complement your decor. It's also incredibly simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat before slipping into a bag for easy storage.

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 relatively small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. It's important to choose one that can be removed and partially dismantled so you can get into all the corners and crevices to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.

This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.

You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.

When selecting a crib for your bedside it is important to consider whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - although be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care, as it can be risky if your child is thrown out.

You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because the 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, rather than using one given to you by someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. They usually come with a side panel that can be removed to allow you to see your baby and touch him. Some have the option to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just because of its sleek, modern design. It comes with six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than other 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's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It 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 it's an excellent crib due to its "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 until my son outgrows it". It's also easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it a great option for those with a little space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.