5 Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of a bed. They usually have a single side that can be lowered down for easy reach and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the directions were easy to follow. It was a simple construction. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside 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 also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that can be adjusted to let you easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their child throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and aid them fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should talk to your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.
Many 4-in-1 bedside crib cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise and light. This can help calm your baby down. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Many bedside cot crib cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the option of sleeping together without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by fears of their child falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabrics that will fit your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat before slipping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best cot for bedside, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, but is still quite small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cot mattress cribs be sure to look for models that have a mattress cover that is removable that can be machine-washed. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and dribbles. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't fall down or get trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is particularly important when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their child during the night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedroom it is important to consider whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution as it could be risky if your child falls out.
It is also important to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a brand 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 are more susceptible to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) is attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek, modern design. It 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 dust-free and clean when it's stored.
The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It is also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night for a peaceful feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes the ease of clean and feels sturdy and well made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those who have small bedside cot space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.