Five Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. They usually have a single side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the instructions were extremely clear. It was a fast construction. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are generally easy to set up, and are on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It features multiple mesh windows for breathability, and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to 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 having to step out of your own bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their infant during the night, but don't wish to risk co sleeper bedside cot-sleeping.
Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming them down. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some wooden bedside cot cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is a big selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it a versatile travel bed. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with a crib that is placed at your bedside rocking crib. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then raise it again after you take the baby out. This is a good option for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase airflow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabrics that complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat before slipping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for best bedside cot Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces in which your child could slip down or become trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their baby during the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than use one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as tilting, rocking, or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This model comes with six height adjustments, as well as a handy storage shelf. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when it's stored.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also likes the ease of clean and feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal choice for those with small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.