Five Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed. They typically come with a side that can be lowered down for easy access and some come with an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.

MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It also folds down into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.

Easy to assemble

Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side to are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, 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 it comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.

Some bedside cribs have the option of a side panel that could be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).

Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which is useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.

Many bedside cribs come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help calm the baby. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.

Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and comfy

You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it again after you have lifted the baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to accommodate the baby's position.

If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to look up the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at travel cot bedside crib cots or bedside cribs make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. It's also a good idea to choose one that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.

This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could slip down or become trapped.

In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib or cot crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their baby throughout the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

When choosing a crib for your bedside take into consideration whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your child falls out.

You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.

It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot bedside cot rather than using one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside cosleeper crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) is attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning 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 an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other travel-friendly cribs we've tested, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". She also loves the ease of clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those who have limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.