5 Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of the bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set up, so they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and zips that are easy to open." The crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have an additional side panel that can be lowered, giving you an easy access to your baby without the need to get out of your bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want 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).
Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should talk to a doctor or health visitor before you attempt it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to protect your child from light or noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is an important selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble as well as comfortable and 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 monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's an ideal option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby up to you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you lift the baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded 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 specs to make sure that your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase airflow. Additionally, it has an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to accommodate your baby's position.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cot bedside crib cots and bedside cosleeper cribs make sure they come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and dribbles. It's important to select a model that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices for an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there are no gaps or spaces that your child could fall down or get trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib co sleeper crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
Also, you should 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 will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A large bedside crib crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted to let you see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby, while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. It comes with six height adjustments, and a useful storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than the other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for a peaceful feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with a small space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.