Five Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
bedside cot crib cribs are a type of cot that can be attached to the bed's side. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds up into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
bedside crib travel cot cribs are usually easy to put together, and are on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to construct with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag for when you're on the move. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height ensures it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside cot mattress use the option of a side panel that can be lowered to let you be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their infant throughout the night but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.
Many bedside crib travel cribs come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming them down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it a versatile travel bed. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib allows you to watch your baby in the comfortable bed. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
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 though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier and then raise it again after you have lifted the baby out. This is a good option for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to fit the baby's position.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also incredibly simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. It is also recommended to choose one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or areas where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their baby at night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to think about when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any additional features that you may find useful. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.
You'll also want to make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will lower 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 new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch 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 minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking bedside crib (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it an ideal choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.