What Will Bedside Crib And Travel Cot Be Like In 100 Years?
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. Some have a side that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were extremely clear. It was a fast build. It folds into a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side to are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around on the move. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have the option of a side panel that could be lowered, giving you an easy access to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to remain close to their child during the night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be very soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should talk to a doctor or health visitor before you attempt it.
bedside cots uk with a bedside have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It has five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfy
You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with a bedside crib. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the risk (check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Others allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who have fears of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a large model with an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate your baby's position.
If you are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a handy bag.
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 simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though 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 that can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into all the corners and crevices for an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby doesn't fall off or be trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is especially important in the case of a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with additional features that you may find useful. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - but remember that you should only use this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby falls out.
It is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one that was given to you by someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your bed to sleep. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be adjusted 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 comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as tilting, rocking, or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib has six height settings and a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also simple to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby during the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son gets older". It's also easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great option for those with a small space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.