How To Save Money On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed. They often have one side that can be put down for easy access, and some have an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux.

MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.

Easy to assemble

They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be placed near your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be removed so that you can be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is an excellent option 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.

The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be very comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should talk to an expert in health or a doctor before you attempt it.

Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light or noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.

Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots.  bedside cot newborn  is a major selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed. It was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside crib allows you to monitor your baby from the comfort of your own bed. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that let you see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who have fears of their child falling off the end of their mattress.

The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). It's a large design with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost airflow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting as well as the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the baby's position.

If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs with a variety of fabrics that match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together in a matter of minutes without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to choose one that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to every nook and cranny to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.

This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped.

You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their child at night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with additional features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.

You'll also want to make sure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in gaps or folds 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 has been given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. This one has six height adjustments, and a handy storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than some of the more travel-friendly cribs we've tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.

Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and how it feels sturdy and well made. It can be set on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.