5 Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the side of your bed. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the instructions were extremely easy to follow. It was a quick build. It folds up into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are typically simple to set up and are on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to build with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted to let you be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their child during the night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many bedside cot used cribs come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm them down. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it suitable for travel. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed, and was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of build and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib allows you to watch your child from 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 up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. And the most cozy cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who have an apprehension of their baby falling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. There's an integrated setting for reflux as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib according to your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to look up the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped 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 relatively compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cot bed cribs or travel cots. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is important, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could slip down or become trapped.
It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to have easy access to their child throughout the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any extra features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care as it could be risky if your child is thrown out.
It is important to make sure that your crib or travel cot bedside bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one that was passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered to let you be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot bedside cot. Other cribs come with additional features like 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 Scandi aesthetic. This crib has six height settings as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It has a few more amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested including an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed him without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and is sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on divans, making it a great option for those who have limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.