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 side of your bed. They often have one side that can be lowered down for easy access and some even have an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were extremely clear. It was a simple construction. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to assemble

bedside crib with wheels cribs are usually simple to set up and are on the smaller side so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside have an additional side panel that can be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby bedside cot without having to step out of your own bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their child all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.

A lot of cribs with a bedside cot 6 months plus have an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming your baby down. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.

A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also has 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 known as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

A bedside crib allows you to monitor your little one in the peace of your bed. It's the ideal solution for a mom who is recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you take baby out. This is a good option for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. 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 your baby's preferred position.

If you're looking for something little smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabrics to complement your decor. It's also easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly and without needing to consult any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.

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 straightforward to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. It's also a good idea to choose a product that can be removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to every nook and cranny for an efficient cleaning and sanitising.

This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is particularly important in the case of a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their child at night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it comes with additional features that you may find useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution because it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.

You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features like tilting, rocking or converting into a larger baby cot.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not only because of its sleek Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than some of the more portable cribs we've tried and comes with a convenient 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 extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on divans, making it a great option for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.