5 Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
bedside baby bed cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of a bed. They often come with a side that can be put down for easy reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set up, so they can be set next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be lowered to allow you to easily access your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their child all night long but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help calm your baby down. Some cribs have a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you have lifted baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase airflow. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something a smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabrics to complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't need to consult the instructions. It's also a great 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 capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together although she thought the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at bedside cots for newborns cribs and travel cots make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. It's important to choose one that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib or cot crib for 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 to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with additional features that you may find useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - but be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution as it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
Also, you should ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby bedside sleeper's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your own sleeping area. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby during the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and feels sturdy and well made. It can be set on a divan, making it a great option for those who have small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.