Five Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

twin bedside cot crib and travel cot (advice here)

bedside cot newborn cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of the bed. They usually have a single side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for reflux babies.

MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It folds up into a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to assemble

They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions and zips that are easy to open." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag for when you're moving. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.

Some bedside cribs have an additional side panel that can be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without having to step out of your own bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their child throughout the night but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.

Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.

Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to protect your baby from light and noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.

Some cribs for bedside use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and baby bedside cot Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It has five height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's an ideal option for a new mum recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the option of sleeping together without the risk (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you have lifted baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.

The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best 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 sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to fit the position of your baby.

If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It is also very easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly, without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's an excellent idea to select a model that can be removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to all the corners and crevices for an extensive cleaning and sanitising.

This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside cots for newborns crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their baby during the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any additional features you might consider useful. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution because it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.

You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall into folds or gaps 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 lose their shape over time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) is attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed to sleep. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted to let you be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like tilting, rocking or even converting into an older crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments and a handy storage shelf. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.

It's simple to put together, 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 fabrics. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for a peaceful feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". She also appreciates the ease of clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it a great option for those who have little space. It also comes with a handy carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.