The Companies That Are The Least Well-Known To Monitor In 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 sides that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux.

MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were very easy to follow. It was a quick build. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to assemble

They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to construct with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a handy bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that can be removed so that you can easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be with their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).

Many models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.

Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help calm them down. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.

Some cribs for bedside use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling feature for families.  Discover More &Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

A bedside crib allows you to monitor your little one in the comfortable bed. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements though). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who have fears of their child falling off the end 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 bedsteads and divans, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib according to the position your baby prefers.

If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat before 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 slightly larger than the average, but is still quite compact and easy to attach onto your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that have a mattress cover that is removable that is machine-washable. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. It's an excellent idea to select a model that is easily removed and partially dismantled so that you can access all the nooks and crannies for an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.

This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. 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 fall down or get trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their baby during the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with additional features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.

You'll also want to ensure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.

It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one that has been given to you by someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) is attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually include a side panel that can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in a convenient bag to keep it dust-free and clean when stored.

The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also simple to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and how it feels solid and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it a great choice for those with a small space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.