5 Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
bedside crib and travel cot (check)
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. They typically have one side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set-up, so they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're moving. 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 the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their baby throughout the night but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be very soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from light and noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds This is a big selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play, is another popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your little one from the comfortable bed. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that let you view your baby bedside cot's face through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you take baby out. This is a good option for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&baby bedside sleeper Awards Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux 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 looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs with a variety of fabric options that match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't 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 but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to choose one that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access every nook and cranny for an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, since it's the best bedside cots way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could fall down or get trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your own bed. This is particularly important if you are using a 4-in-1 bedside crib crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside cot crib crib is if it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be adjusted to let you be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not only because of its sleek design in Scandi. This crib has six height settings, as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it a great choice for those with small space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.