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

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of the bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux. MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag. Easy to put together They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was “super easy to assemble, with clear instructions and easy zips.” This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag for when you're traveling. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress. Some bedside cribs have the option of a side panel that could be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS). Many models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a soothing experience for your baby, and can help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position. A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light and noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and other clothes 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. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. Cosy and comfortable You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's an excellent option for new mums recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth. Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements however). bedside cot newborn let you lower the barrier, but raise it again after you take the baby out. This is better for parents with concerns about their child rolling off their mattress. The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket – is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to suit the position of your baby. If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble – Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to read the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags. The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, but is still quite compact and easy to fit onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips. Easy to clean Look for cribs 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, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the corners. This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped. You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their infant during the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer. Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy. 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 chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding. It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than using one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape over time, increasing 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 safe and effective sleep solutions. Versatile The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually have a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to 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 tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen. The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf to store things on. It's also bulkier and heavier than the other travel-friendly cribs we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage. The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. 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 that this is an excellent crib due to its “easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son grows out of it”. It's also easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.