Five Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
bedside crib with changing table cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of the bed. Some have a side that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an incline that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were clear. It was a quick build. It folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
bedside rocking crib cribs are typically easy to set up, and are on the smaller side so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to put together with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside baby sleeper use the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close to your baby without the need to get out of your own bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help calm them down. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed, and was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and cozy
A large bedside crib crib allows you to keep an eye on your baby from the comfort of your own bed. It's a great choice for moms who are recovering from a C section as you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of your bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but then raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who have an apprehension of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. There's an integrated setting for reflux as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will complement your decor. It's also incredibly simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly, without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the best bedside cots Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, but is still relatively compact and easy to attach into your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. It's important to select a model that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access all the corners and crevices to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their baby during the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
It is also important to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than using one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek Scandi design. This crib has six height settings as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It is also easy to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby during the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also loves the ease of clean and how it feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those who have little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.