Five Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side. They usually have a single side that can be dropped down for easy access and some come with an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.

Easy to assemble

Bedside cribs are usually easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag for when you're traveling. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be close to their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).

Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be very relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. 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 GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.

Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light and noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.

Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of 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 tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed, and was praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to 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 in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cozy and comfortable

A bedside crib enables you to watch your little one from the comfortable bed. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby up to you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. And the most cozy 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 risk (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for best bedside cot Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost airflow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.

If you're looking for something smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabric options to match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to consult the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still relatively small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. It's important to select a model that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.

This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or areas that your child could slip down or become trapped.

It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.

Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib travel cot crib is whether it comes with additional features that you may find useful. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should use this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your child falls out.

Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A large bedside cot crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments, as well as a handy storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable and comes in a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.

The instructions are clear and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and feels sturdy and well made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.