11 Creative Ways To Write About Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are attached to the sides of the bed. They often have one side that can be put down for easy reach, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.

MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are usually simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.

Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help calm them down. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.

Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It also has five different height settings to match your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a 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 an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing 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 lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who have an apprehension of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.

The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib according to the position your baby prefers.

If you're looking for something little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabric options to match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble - Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into a bag.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, but is still quite compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's an excellent idea to select a model that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into every nook and cranny for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.

This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the crib's sides are securely attached, so there are no gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.

In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their child at night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom take into consideration whether it comes with extra features that may be beneficial to you. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although remember that you should only use this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your child gets out of the crib.

You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly 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 also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one that has been handed down from someone else or purchased 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 that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

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 needing to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be removed to let you see your baby and touch the baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features like tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib has six height settings and a useful shelf to store things on.  large bedside cot 's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than other portable cribs we've tried and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are simple 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 has a few more extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried with, like an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it a great choice for those with a little space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.