Five Killer Quora Answers To 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. They often come with a side that can be put down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the directions were clear. It was a simple construction. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to build with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around traveling. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height makes it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside cot 6 months plus feature the option of a side panel that can be removed to let you easily access your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be with their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to protect your child from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside co sleeper crib allows you to watch your child in the comfortable bed. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C-section as you can easily carry your child towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides you can view your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by fears of their little one rolling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for best bedside cot for newborn Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to accommodate the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a little smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will fit your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds 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 slightly larger than the average, but is still quite compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's important to select a model that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access every nook and cranny to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there are no gaps or spaces that your child could slide down or become trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their infant at night to feed and comfort their baby bedside sleeper while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When choosing a crib for your bedroom, you should also consider whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution as it could be dangerous if your child gets out of the crib.
It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat 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 a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than using one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of 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 crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to get out of your sleeping space. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek Scandi design. This one has six height adjustments, and a useful storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also simple to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking bedside crib feature and storage space.
Jasmin says that this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach your 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 loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.