5 Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the directions were extremely simple. It was a simple build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It comes with multiple mesh windows for breathability, and the adjustable height means it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming your baby down. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
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. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib lets you to watch your child in the comfort of your own bed. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby bedside sleeper out towards you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering meets the latest safety requirements though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you have lifted baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child's ability to roll off 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 bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design features an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something little smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabric options to fit your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat and popping into a handy 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 small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
If you're considering bedside cot crib cribs and travel cots be sure to look for models that have a removable mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose one that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into all the corners and crevices for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents easy access to their child throughout the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When choosing a crib for your bed take into consideration whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although remember that you should only use this feature with care because it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place 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 an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek Scandi design. This crib has six height settings as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also heavier and bulkier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested, 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's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more amenities than other bedside cosleeper cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal option for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.