5 Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the bed's side. They usually have a single side that can be put down for easy access and some come with an incline that's ideal for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were simple. It was a quick build. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are generally easy to set up, and are on the smaller side, so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to construct with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a travel crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height means it will fit any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside crib with wheels use the option of a side panel that could be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their child throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).

Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor before you attempt it.

Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming your baby down. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.

Many cribs for bedside baby sleeper use can be converted 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 is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it suitable for travel. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another popular choice, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and cozy

A bedside cot mattress crib enables you to monitor your baby in the comfort of your own bed. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it again after you take baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specs to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to suit your baby's position.

If you're looking for something little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics that will fit your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat before slipping into a convenient bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. It's also a good idea to select a model that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.

This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.

In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is particularly important if you're using a wooden bedside cot crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their child throughout the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

When selecting a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.

You'll also want to ensure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding.

It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than using one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet 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 referred to) attaches to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This one has six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.

The instructions are clear and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also simple to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more features than other bedside travel cot cribs we've tried with, like 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 for fuss-free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.