Is travel cot bedside For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for fuss-free feeding at night, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the perfect choice. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home test subjects love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access and has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without risk of being suffocated. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach out to help or feed your child in the middle night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from having a c-section. There are a variety of factors to consider before investing in one.
When shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're choosing a model that complies with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November 2020.
The new rules forbid bedside cribs from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, many models come with 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lie next to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier by sinking a bit lower than your mattress. All of the models on our list comply with these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Make sure that the crib is securely affixed to your bed, and that it is correctly secured. This is especially crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system like the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards.
It is crucial to remember, too, that a crib is meant for sleeping, and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories such as blankets, toys, pillows, or stuffed animal. The official safe sleep guidelines from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should sleep in their own sleeping space in their crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or any other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child close during the night, without having to take the danger that they might be shared with another baby. This could increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed in the middle night. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, practical, and comfortable for your infant baby and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models have slats which are wide and open enough to allow air circulation. They also feature an opening or window that you can roll up or down as needed. This makes it simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them or check on them throughout the night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
It should be small and light in its fold so that it is easy to carry around the home. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one side is handy for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include a mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is specifically designed for your model and is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height that it matches the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be very beneficial to you, particularly if you are recovering from a C-section.
Some models come with useful features, like a tummy-tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses' basket which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib rock, folds down to lie flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
New moms love the convenience of bedside cribs that let them keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and nappy changes without getting out of bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a csection or when recovering from other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and needs. Aside from the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be capable of lifting your child out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it includes any additional features, such as rocking functions. Also, consider the size and height of your bed and ensure that the crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, however they still have amazing features, like the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and a height that can be adjusted. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with elegant oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to put together, fold and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be lowered during the day, allowing you to hold your baby and sleep in a safe manner however, they are raised at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use at first.
It is essential to ensure that the bedding you choose for a crib beside a bedside is fitted properly. There should be no gaps or other gaps, that could lead to the suffocation. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they can be worn down and become deteriorated over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room rooms, or to take when you go on vacation. bedside crib or cot are small enough to fit into bags to allow you to take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and babies because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the danger of them rolling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to remember that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby during the first six months - with a separate bed in the same space, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model you select, bedside cribs could include features that enhance their ease of use. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test can swivel and can be adjusted in height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester reported gave her "easy access" to comfort their baby.
Some models have additional extras, such as the ability to rock (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are beneficial for children with an illness that can cause reflux, however, your baby should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy travel cot bedside will to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to assemble and how compact when folded away. Check if it's easy to attach to your bed and if it has a bag to use for travelling. Check if the product comes with additional features like a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when travelling.