Five Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
bedside crib and travel cot bedside (telegra.ph)
Bedside cribs resemble the bassinet that is connected to the side of the bed. They often come with a side that can be lowered down for easy access, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds up into a compact size, and comes with a convenient 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 portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to put together with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around on the move. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Many models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be very comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to protect your baby from light and sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many 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 that make it a versatile travel bed. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get out of bed. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who have a fear of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase airflow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics that will complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for best bedside cot Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside baby sleeper cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's important to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into every nook and cranny for an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside, you should also consider whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although remember that you should only utilize this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.
It is also important to ensure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The large bedside cot crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. 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 keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn bedside cot, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also bulkier and heavier than some of the more travel-friendly cribs we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It is also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few features than other cribs we've used, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer period of time before my son gets older". It's also easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those with small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.