What's Holding Back What's Holding Back The Bedside Crib And Travel Cot Industry?

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the bed's side. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the directions were very easy to follow. It was a quick construction. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to put together

They are small and easy to set up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to build with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a handy bag.  travel bedside crib  includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their baby at night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.

Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them sleep. 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. You should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.

A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help calm your baby down. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.

Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is an important selling feature 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 as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. 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 the night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements however). Some cribs let you keep the barrier lowered but then raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by fears of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate your baby's position.

If you're looking for something a little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will match your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat and 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 quite compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. It's an excellent idea to select a model that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.

This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could slip down or become trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want a bedside crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.

When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside take into consideration whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution, as it can be risky if your child falls out.

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

It's a good idea purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses 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 latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just due to its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.

The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It is also easy to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more features than other cribs we've used with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby during the night for a peaceful feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last a longer time before my son gets older". She also loves the ease of clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it a great choice for those with limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.