Five Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
foldable bedside crib cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that can be attached to the bed's side. They often have a single side that can be lowered down for easy access, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the instructions were extremely clear. It was a simple construction. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag for when you're on the move. It comes with multiple mesh windows for breathability, and the adjustable height makes it will fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their infant during the night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby bedside crib. This can be very relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside crib with wheels have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and sound, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is an attractive selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels as well as conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of build, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your baby from the comfort of your own bed. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. And the most cozy cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but raise it again after you lift the baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a roomy design that has an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost airflow. There's an integrated setting for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib to suit the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and clever fabrics that will match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't need to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat before slipping 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, but is still quite compact and easy to fit onto your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're considering bedside crib vs cot cribs and travel cots make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It's important to choose one that can be removed and partially dismantled so you can get into all the corners and crevices for a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces that your child could fall down or get trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any additional features you might consider useful. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should use this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your child falls out.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one that was passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) can be attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. They usually come with a side panel that can be lowered so that you can be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as rocking, tilting, or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. The crib comes with six height settings and an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in a handy bag to keep it dust-free and clean when stored.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it is "easy to reach the baby during the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and feels sturdy and well made. It can be positioned on divans, making 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.