Five Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
bedside crib and travel cot (her explanation)
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the side of your bed. They often have one side that can be dropped down for easy reach and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to build with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It features multiple mesh windows for breathability, and the adjustable height ensures it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should talk to an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it.
Many bedside crib and cot cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming them down. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
A lot of bedside rocking crib cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it a versatile travel bed. It also has five different height settings to match your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the risks (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who have a fear of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specs to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib according to the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and stylish fabric options to match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to look up the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, leaky diapers, and spit-up. You should also select an item that can be easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could slip down or become trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it comes with additional features you might consider useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.
It is also important to make sure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
The cheap bedside cot crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. Most will have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek, modern design. It comes with six height adjustments, and a useful storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in a convenient bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
The instructions are clear 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 comes with a few more extras than some of the other bedside cot bed cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also likes the ease of clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it a great option for those who have little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.