5 Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the side of your bed. Some have a side that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically simple to set up and are on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions, and simple zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag for when you're traveling. It comes with multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height ensures it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some amazon bedside cot cribs feature a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to easily access your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their infant during the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping.
Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.
Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming the baby. Some cribs have a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
A lot of bedside cribs 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&Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed. It was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using a wooden bedside cot crib. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but raise it again after you have lifted the baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to accommodate your baby bedside cot's position.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with 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 was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, however it is still small and easy to put to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's also a good idea to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to every nook and cranny for an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the crib's sides are securely attached, so there are no gaps or areas in which your child could slip down or become trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your own bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their child throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with extra features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
Also, you should ensure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to 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 transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. This one has six height adjustments, as well as an excellent 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 simple to put together, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also simple to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and the 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 an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those who have small space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.