Five Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of a bed. They typically have one side that can be put down for easy reach and some even have an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.

MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the instructions were very easy to follow. It was a fast build. It also folds down into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are on the smaller side so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to build with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside have the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to remain close to their baby at night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.

Most models have an integrated rocking feature. 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. It is best to use them under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.

Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your child from light or sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs have a storage area underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.

Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is a big selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie, 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 also has 5 different height settings to match your bed, and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and cozy

A bedside crib allows you to monitor your little one in the comfortable bed. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C-section as it is easy to lift your infant towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that 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 model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then raise it again after you lift the baby out. This is better for parents with concerns about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.

The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to turn the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.

If you're looking for something smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics to fit your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat and slipping into a handy bag.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, however it is still compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose a model that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the nooks.

This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas that your child could slide down or become trapped.

You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a large bedside crib crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents easy access to their child at night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib with wheels crib is whether it comes with extra features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - although remember that you should only use this feature with care, as it can be risky if your child gets out of the crib.

It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside cot 6 months plus crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping area. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to see your baby and touch him. Some have the option to keep the panel closed 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 transformed into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features, such as tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger baby cot.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek Scandi design. This model comes with six height adjustments, as well as a handy storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than some of the more travel-friendly cribs we've tested however 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 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 compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and storage space.

Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great choice for those with limited space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.