5 Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux.
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 the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
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 for being "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height ensures it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature an additional side panel that can be lowered to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their baby at 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 aid them sleep. 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 doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm the baby. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Many bedside cot newborn cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play, is another popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your foldable bedside crib. It's an excellent option for moms who are 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 getting out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it again after you lift baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The large bedside cot design has an opening side panel, and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate your baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabrics that match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat and 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 set up although she thought the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and drips. It's important to select a model that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies for an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want a bedside crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is especially crucial when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution because it could be risky if your child is thrown out.
Also, you should ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce 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 a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one that has been given to you by another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside cosleeper crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) can be attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you 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 will also convert into a travel cot or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more travel-friendly cribs we've tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby during the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with a small space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.