Five Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that can be attached 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 who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib very simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It features multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside cots for newborns use a side panel that can be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby throughout the night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor prior to attempting it.
Many bedside cot mattress cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming them down. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds This is an important selling point for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also comes with 5 different height settings 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 known as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can monitor your child from the comfort of your bed with a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a csection, because you can easily pull baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get up. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who have fears of their child falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the best bedside cot uk Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large model with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib to suit the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabrics that will match your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and drips. It's important to choose one that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into all the corners and crevices to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could fall down or get trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a co-sleeping bedside cot newborn crib. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily access their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with extra features you might find useful. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution because it could be risky if your child is thrown out.
It is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape over 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 co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) can be attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be removed to allow you to see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings, as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also bulkier and heavier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are clear and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few more features than other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer time before my son grows out". She also likes how easy it is to clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it a great choice for those with a small space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.