What Is Bedside Crib And Travel Cot' History? History Of Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the side of your bed. They usually come with a side that can be dropped down for easy reach, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were extremely easy to follow. It was a quick build. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are generally easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side, so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to build with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that can be removed to let you easily access your baby without having to get out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to stay close to their infant at night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional 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 your baby down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's an excellent option for new mums recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who have a fear of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure your bed can be accommodated). The large design has an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something smaller in size, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabric options to complement your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly and without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed 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 attach into your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean

If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and drips. You should also select an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the corners.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
Also, you should ensure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than using one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be adjusted to let you feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot. bedside travel crib come with additional features like tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This model comes with six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great option for those with a small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.