Five Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are connected to the side of the bed. They usually have a single side that can be lowered down for easy access and some even have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.

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

Easy to assemble

Bedside cribs are typically simple to set up and are on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to put together with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're on the move. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

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

The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and aid them fall asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.

A lot of cribs with a small bedside cot have a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.

Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is a big selling factor for 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 as well as conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your bedside crib vs cot. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements however). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you take baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the position of your baby.

If you're looking for something smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and stylish fabric options to complement your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat and popping into a convenient bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and spills. It's also a good idea to choose a product that is able to be removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.

This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could slide down or become trapped.

It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.

Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with extra features you might consider useful. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - but be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution as it could be dangerous if your child is thrown out.

It is also important to make sure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape over time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside cot newborn crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that 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 comfortable with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib comes with six height settings and a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than other travel-friendly cribs we've tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.

It's easy to set up 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 comes with a few more features than other bedside cribs we've tried including 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 in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also appreciates the ease of clean and feels sturdy and well made. It can be placed on divans, making it a great option for those with limited space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.