Five Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of the bed. Some have a side that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds up into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be set close to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit 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 the need to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their child at night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and aid them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm them down. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
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 and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of build, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play is a popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using the 4-in-1 bedside crib crib. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. And the cosiest cribs also have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the risk (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements however). Others allow you to lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their child falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, cot for bedside, or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a large design with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabrics to match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still quite small and easy to put to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at bedside cot wooden cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. It's also a good idea to choose one that is able to be removed and partially dismantled so that you can access every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially important in the case of a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with additional features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than using one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
The bedside cot bed crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your bed. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. Most will have a side panel that can be moved down so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby, while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like tilting, rocking or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek Scandi design. This model comes with six height adjustments, and a handy storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few amenities than other cribs we've used with, like 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 of the night for a peaceful feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also loves the ease of clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it a great option for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.