The Silver Cross Slumber Bedside Crib Travel Cot
It is designed for divan beds, this bedside crib is easy to build. The instructions can be difficult to follow, particularly as there's an order in which the pieces have to be slotted in but MFM testers found it very easy once they were used to it.
It can also be folded extremely quickly, compactly and can be tucked away in its own travel bag.
Easy to assemble
If you're looking for a portable cot that's simple to set up and move around then look no further than the Silver Cross Slumber. It's designed to function as an ideal bedside crib that keeps your baby close by all night and allowing you to feed your child without having to get out of the bed. It's also lightweight and compact which makes it ideal for travel.
The crib is easy to assemble using poles that you bend to the desired position, and a sheet that you pop over the mattress. Once it's put together, you can place your baby inside. Emily, a mum test subject, says it took her two attempts to master the assembly, but once she mastered it, the process was simple. Her daughter was able to sleep well in it as well.
It includes a mattress that folds as well as a baby bassinet that makes it suitable from the time of birth. It also has a side-zip which means you can lay with your baby as they sleep and then put them in the crib and zip them up for safety. This is an excellent option when you're used to cosleeping with your baby and want to keep it going for as long as you want to.
When you're ready to pack it away the crib folds up in one go and tucks away in its own bag - a good idea if you're planning to travel. This is a great solution when you're moving or if guests will be staying with you for some time.
The Halo My Crib requires a bit more effort to put together than other travel cots, however, it's not a challenge. It's a great choice for first-time parents as it's easy to set up and doesn't require any electronic devices. It has a premium, wipe-clean bed, which is an added bonus. It's surprisingly light at 6.5kg and is easy to pack into bags or suitcases for travel. It's an excellent choice for vacations, staying overnight at the homes of friends or visiting family members who live far away. It could even fit on a piece of checked luggage!
Easy to move
A bedside crib is an excellent method to keep your baby close to you throughout the night without having to get up to feed them without fuss. You can also keep an eye on your baby throughout the night. They can help your child learn to sleep independently. They are usually light and portable, making them easy to move around the house and even take on trips. Black Friday is the ideal opportunity to buy one of these cribs at a great price.
The SnuzPod 4 is sleeker than other cribs for bed, but still provides plenty of room for your baby to lie comfortably. It features a ComfortAir air-conditioned mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby and an optional reflux incline for your baby to ease reflux. The slim frame was a hit with testers at home, since it attached easily to a wide range of beds. However, bedside crib to cot on the BabyCentre forum warns that this model might not fit some divan beds because the straps are lengthy and don't stretch all up to the bottom of the bed.
Another mum on the BabyCentre forum recommends checking out a YouTube video prior to purchasing this bedside crib, as it can be tricky to put together. The instructions are a bit ambiguous particularly when it comes to attaching it to your bed. But she says it's worth the effort because it's a beautiful cot that's durable and easy to clean.
MFM mother home tester Jasmine loved the way the bedside crib looked in her bedroom and how well it stood up to daily use. She also was awed by its size, stating that it was larger than a Moses basket, but not so large that it was oversized. She was able to find bedding for and that the mattress was of good quality, unlike some she's seen which feel flimsy or thin.
It's important to keep in mind that a crib next to the bed is not a substitute for a baby sleeping bag, or swaddle. This will not ensure the safety of your baby during sleep. It's essential to follow the Back To Sleep campaign guidelines that state that your baby rest on their backs in a crib or cot. It's important to remove all blankets, pillows and duvets that could affect your baby's breathing.
Easy to clean
If you want your child to sleep well while away from your home, a crib that is placed near the bed travel cot is an excellent alternative. It allows you to keep an eye on your baby while they sleep and gives you a secure place to change them. But, before purchasing a crib that is placed on the bed, be sure to make sure to check the safety features. Check that it meets British Standards and is easy to clean.
A crib that is suitable for bedside use should have mesh sides that allow airflow and are easy to clean. It should also be easy to move from room to room. Look for an erect frame and a good-quality mattress. The bedding should fit perfectly over the mattress and not have gaps or loose fabrics.
The size of your child's body is another crucial factor. Some travel cots can be a bit bulky, but others fold up into a compact form that can be easily slipped in a suitcase or the back of your car. Some come with bags for carrying.
Nicola mother test participant, was impressed with the CoZee crib bedside and found it simple to assemble. She thought the mattress was very comfortable and cozy, however she did find it quite heavy compared to other cots she tested. She also mentioned that she liked the extra accessories, like the changing unit and nightlight, even when her son was too old to use them.
The travel cot has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Crib category. It has a sturdy aluminum frame and a ventilated bed with three layers that is designed to give you the best comfort. It also has a handy changing mat attachment, as well as two overhead linking toys to keep kids entertained during their sleep.
Easy to store
The crib is easy to clean and put away. The legs and sides fold into a flat bag that fits in your car bag, suitcase or backpack. It's ideal for day trips, weekends or even for overnight stays. The fabric is strong and machine washable, and the mattress feels good to the touch. However the mattress is smaller than the others and our mum test subject Kathryn found it quite low to the ground, which meant she had to bend her knees to get her child for bedtime.
It's a little heavier however it's still very lightweight and compact. It's simple to put together, and its four mesh sides offer ventilation and better visibility. It also has a handy changing station as well as a nightlight and music function however our mom test participant Nicola noticed that her daughter Olly did not really appreciate the extra features, and she thought they made her work a bit harder in the dark.
Aside from the extra accessories, this cot is fairly basic and simple in design, but it's still one of the top on the market for its weight and ease of use. It's suitable for infants and easily converts to an infant travel cot and playpen with an opening side to allow for greater access. It comes with a carry bag, making it easy to transport and store when it is not in use.
Most (but not all) airlines let you take a crib with a portable bed for free and it's worth taking into consideration your requirements when looking for alternatives. Some travel cots are so small they can be tucked away in a suitcase. This is great for travel. Others are larger and will require transport as checked luggage, so be sure to check airline rules and regulations before buying a travel crib. It's also important to consider the frequency with which you'll be using the travel cot to determine its weight, size and performance.