5 Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the directions were extremely clear. It was a quick construction. It folds up into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and simple to set-up, so they can be set close to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy 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 on the move. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some bedside crib to cot cribs feature the option of a side panel that can be lowered to let you easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping.
The majority of models have an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be very soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help calm the baby. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some cribs for bedside co sleeper use can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an attractive selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to build and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can monitor your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your baby towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the risks (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you take the baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child falling 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 some other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabrics that will fit your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to look up the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at bedside sleeper cot cribs or travel cot bedside crib cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to choose one that is easily removed and partially dismantled so that you can access all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. You'll also want to check that the crib's sides are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib vs cot crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually include a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This model comes with six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It is also easy to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few more extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.