10 Things People Hate About Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of the bed. Some have an end that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a quick build. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are generally easy to set up, and are on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to construct, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be lowered so that you can easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their baby during the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping.

Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.

Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming them down. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to build 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.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your baby from the comfortable bed. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your child towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their baby falling off the side of their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specifications to make sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. Plus, there's  bedside travel crib  integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate the baby's position.

If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that fit in with 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 and without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat before 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 relatively small and easy to put onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and dribbles. It's important to choose one that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.

This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there are no gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.

In addition to being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to have easy access to their baby at night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.

When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution, as it can be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.

You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.

It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that was given to you by someone else or purchased 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.

Versatile

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed to allow 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 in the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be removed to allow you to feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older baby cot.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit 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 free of dust in storage.

The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It is also easy to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and the 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 is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.