5 Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side. They often have a single side that can be lowered down for easy reach and some even have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
bedside crib and cot cribs are usually easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to put together with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around on the move. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their baby at night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby, and can help them fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming them down. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside crib vs cot can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an attractive 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 that makes it ideal for travel. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but then raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have fears of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the baby's position.
If you're looking for something little smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabric options to complement your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the best bedside cots Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, however it is still small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's important to select a model 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 vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or spaces in which your child could slide down or become trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly 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, which gives parents to easily access to their infant at night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed it is important to consider whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - although remember that you should only use this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.
Also, you should make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will lower 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 a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than using one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to it is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually have a side panel which can be adjusted to let you see your baby and touch him. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just due to its sleek Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other travel-friendly cribs we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for fuss free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also loves how easy it is to clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it a great choice for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.