The Silver Cross Slumber Bedside Crib Travel Cot
Designed for divan beds, this bedside crib is extremely easy to put together. The instructions can be a bit difficult to follow, especially as there's an order in which the pieces need to be placed in, but MFM test subjects found it to be very intuitive once you get used to it.
It can also be folded very quickly, compactly and then placed into its own travel bag.
Easy to assemble
If you're looking for a portable crib that is easy to set up and move around then look no further than the Silver Cross Slumber. It's designed to be an ideal bedside crib that keeps your baby close at all times of the night long and letting you feed them without having to get out of the bed. It's also compact and lightweight which makes it ideal for travelling.
The crib is simple to build using poles you can bend into positions and a sheet that is popped over the mattress. Once it's set up and you're ready to put your baby inside. Mum test Emily says it took her a few attempts to get the hang of assembling it but once she was able to do it, it was quick and simple. Her daughter also had a good night's sleep.
It includes a foldable mattress and a newborn bassinet which makes it suitable for babies from the time of birth. It comes with a side zip that allows you to lay close to your child and observe them sleeping. Then, put them into the crib for safety and zip it up. This is a great option for those who are familiar with cosleeping with your baby and want to keep it going for as long as you want to.
The crib can be folded down and stored in a bag when you're ready to pack. This is a great option for travelling. This is a great solution if you are moving house or if guests are staying 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 option for first-time parents as it's easy to assemble and doesn't need any electronics. It comes with a top-quality clean bed, with a wipe-clean feature, which is an added benefit. It's relatively light at 6.5kg and can easily fit into the suitcase or carry bag for travel. It's great for trips or overnight stays at friends' homes or visits to distant relatives. It might even fit in an item of checked luggage!
Easy to move
A bedside crib lets you to keep your baby close during the night without needing to get up from your bed to feed them. You can also monitor your baby throughout the night. They help your child to learn to sleep on their own. They are lightweight and portable and can be easily moved around the house, or used on vacations. Black Friday is a great time to get one of these practical cribs at a great price.
The SnuzPod 4 has a more sleek design than some cribs that are used for bedside, but gives plenty of room for your baby to lay comfortably. bedside co sleeper cot comes with a ComfortAir breathable Mattress that regulates the temperature of your baby. It also has an adjustable reflux incline that allows your baby to help ease reflux. Testers at home loved the slim frame and how easily it attaches to most beds. However, a mum on the BabyCentre forum warns that this model might not be suitable for certain divan beds due to the straps are long and don't extend all down to the base of the bed.
Another mum on the BabyCentre forum suggests looking up the YouTube video before purchasing the bedside crib, as it can be tricky to assemble. She says that the instructions can be a bit confusing especially when it comes to securing it to your bed. She finds the effort worth it as it's a stunning, sturdy, and easy-to-clean cot.
MFM mum home test Jasmine loved the way the bedside crib was in her bedroom and how well it held up to use. She also was impressed by the dimensions of the crib, noting that it was bigger than a Moses basket, but not too big. She found it was easy to find bedding for and the mattress was of a good quality, in contrast to other mattresses she's seen which feel flimsy or thin.
It's important to keep in mind that a bedside crib isn't a substitute for a proper baby swaddle or sleeping bag in the sense that it doesn't guarantee the safety of your baby during sleep. Back To Sleep campaign guidelines suggest that your child sleep on their back in their crib or cot. Additionally, it's important to remove any pillows, duvets or blankets that could hinder your baby's breathing.
Easy to clean
If you'd like your baby to sleep comfortably when away from home, a bedside travel cot is a fantastic alternative. It lets you monitor your little one while they sleep and gives you a safe space to change their diapers. Check the safety features of a crib before buying one. Be sure it is in compliance with British standards and is easy to clean.
A good bedside crib will have mesh sides that allow airflow and be easy to wipe down. It should be simple to move around from room to room. Find solid frames and a good-quality mattress. The bedding should be comfortably over the mattress and not have gaps or loose fabric.
Another thing to consider is the size of your baby's. Some travel cots are quite bulky, however others fold down into a compact form that can easily be tucked away into a suitcase or back of your car. Some even come with a carry bag.
Mom test subject Nicola liked the design of the CoZee bedside crib looked and found it very easy to put together. She said the mattress was lovely and comfortable, but she did feel it was very heavy compared to other cots that were tested. She also said that she found the additional accessories, such as the changing unit and nightlight useful, even though her son was too old for them by then.
The cot has been shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category, this travel cot has an aluminum frame that is sturdy and an air-conditioned mattress that's designed to offer superior comfort. It has an easy-to-use changing mat as well as two overhead linking toys that will keep your baby entertained as they sleep.
Easy to store
As the name suggests this crib is incredibly easy to keep clean and store away. The sides fold up and the legs fold into a compact bag that easily fits in your car boot or suitcase, making it perfect for weekend trips, daytime breaks, and overnight stays with family and friends. The material is durable and machine washed and the mattress is comfortable to the touch. However the mattress is a little shallower than most and our mother test subject Kathryn found it quite low to the ground, which meant she had to bend down to get her toddler for bedtime.
It's also a bit heavier than some of the other travel cots that we've tested, but it's still very lightweight and compact. It's easy to put together and its four mesh sides provide ventilation and better visibility. It has a music feature as well as a nightlight. It also has a changing station. However, our mom tester Nicola found that her older son Olly was not a fan of these features.
This cot, in addition to the additional accessories, is a simple and basic design. It's one of the most well-liked cots in the market due to its weight and ease-of-use. It is suitable from birth and can be easily converted into a toddler's crib and playpen. One side opens to allow easier access. It comes with a bag which makes it easy to transport and store when it is not in use.
The majority (but not all) airlines allow you to use a portable crib for free It's worth weighing your needs when you're looking at choices. Some of the smaller travel cots can be folded up to be so compact that they even fit into luggage and is a great option when traveling on air. Check airline regulations before buying a travel crib. Some are larger and need to be checked as luggage. It is also important to think about the frequency you'll be using the travel cot in order to determine its weight, size and function.