5 Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. They typically come with a side that can be put down for easy reach and some even have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the instructions were extremely clear. It was a simple construction. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be set near your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to construct with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to 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 your own bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain close to their baby throughout the night but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor before you attempt it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to protect your child from light or noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.
Some bedside baby sleeper cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an important selling point for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It also has five different height settings to match your bed, and was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib allows you to monitor your child in the peace of your bed. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that you can view your baby 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). Others allow you to lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who have fears of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best cot for bedside 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 spacious model with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabrics to fit your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to read 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 somewhat larger, but is still quite small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought 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 you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there are no gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any extra features you might find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't fall into any 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 given to you by another person or bought 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, or co sleeper bedside cot-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can 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 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few more amenities than other bedside cots uk cribs we've tried, such as 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 larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, which makes it a great option for those who have limited space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.