5 Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the bed's side. Some have an end that can be lowered for easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It also folds down into the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to put together with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag for when you're traveling. It has multiple mesh windows for breathability, and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without the need to get out of your own bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain close to their child throughout the night but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling point for families. The Joie Roomie which was 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 travel-friendly. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great choice for moms who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Some allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who have an apprehension of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to fit the position of your baby.
If you are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat before slipping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots or newborn bedside cot cribs make sure they come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. It's also a good idea to choose one that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is important, as it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could slide down or become trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with extra features you might find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds 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 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 safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside co sleeper crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can see your baby and touch him. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as tilting, rocking bedside crib (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. It 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 free of dust in storage.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also loves the ease of clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great option for those with little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.