Five Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of the bed. They usually have a single side that can be lowered down for easy reach and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
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 down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to put together
They are small and simple to set-up, so they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to construct with clear instructions and easy zips." This 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 openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be adjusted so that you can easily access your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be close to their child all night long but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming them down. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is a big selling point for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play, is another popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with a bedside crib. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of your bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Others allow you to lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have an apprehension of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards best bedside cot for newborn Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure your bed can be accommodated). It's a roomy design that has an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib according to the position your baby bedside co sleeper prefers.
If you're looking for something a smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabric options to fit your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to read the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits 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 small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, infant sick and drips. It's also a good idea to select a model that can be removed and partially dismantled so you can get into every nook and cranny to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Make sure 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 want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is particularly important in the case of a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to have easy access to their baby at night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside baby sleeper crib is if it comes with extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib or cot crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek, modern design. This model comes with six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night to provide a relaxed feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves the ease of clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those who have little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.