5 Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to the bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed. They often have one side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to build, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your 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 linked with an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be very soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor before you attempt it.
Many bedside baby bed cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise and light. This can help calm them down. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an important selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble, comfortable and compact. 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 monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get up. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering 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 though). Some cribs let you keep the barrier lowered but then raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their child falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The large bedside crib design has an opening side panel, and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib according to your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and clever fabric options to complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat before slipping into a convenient bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and drips. You should also choose an item that can be easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is crucial, since it's the best bedside cots way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely attached, so there are no gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially important if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any extra features you might consider useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care because it could be risky if your child is thrown out.
You'll also want to ensure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot bedside, crib or travel bed, rather than using one that has been given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Multi-faceted
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 having to leave your bed. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. Most come with a side panel that can be removed to allow you to be able to see your baby bedside crib and hold him. Some have the option to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as tilting, rocking, or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments, and a useful storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than the other travel-friendly cribs we've tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to assemble, 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 fabrics. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other cribs we've used, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal option for those with little space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.