Five Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side. They usually come with a side that can be lowered down for easy access and some even have an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are typically easy to put together, and are on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a travel crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height means it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside rocking crib use an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be with their baby throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional prior to attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help calm the baby. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed. It was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Pack and Play is a popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib allows you to keep an eye on your little one from the comfortable bed. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your child towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without getting out of bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who have fears of their little one rolling off the edge 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 make sure your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabrics to fit your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat and popping into a convenient 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 small and easy to put onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up although she thought the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots and bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. It's also a good idea to choose one that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, as it's the best bedside cot way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside cot newborn crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside cots uk crib is whether it has any additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside co sleeper cot crib (visit the website) (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel down all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this) or changing 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 and a handy shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It is also easy to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". It's also easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on divans, making it a great option for those who have limited space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.