Five Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. They often have one side that can be put down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds up into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel cot bedside bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to build, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag for when you're on the move. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height means 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 access your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain close to their infant during the night, but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be very comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which is useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.
Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to protect your child from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
A lot of large bedside cot cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib enables you to monitor your child in the comfort of your own bed. It's an ideal option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then lift it back up after you take the baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specs to be 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. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate your baby's position.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabrics that match your decor. It's also incredibly simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly, without requiring any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, 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 onto your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spills, and leaky diapers. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is crucial, since 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 attached, so there are no gaps or areas in which your child could slide down or become trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is especially important if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When selecting a crib for your bed take into consideration whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot instead of using one that has been passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside cot used crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to it is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be removed to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older baby bedside crib cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments, as well as an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in a convenient bag to keep it dust-free and clean when stored.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also simple to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few features than other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal choice for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.