Five 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 dropped down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds up into a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to assemble

Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, 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 with a bedside rocking crib feature the option of a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).

Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be very soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional prior to attempting it.

A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to protect your baby from light and noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your little one in the peace of your bed. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your infant towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you take the baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.

If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the best bedside cot for newborn Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, but is still quite compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, infant sick and spills. It is also recommended to choose a model that is easily disassembled so you can 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 removed. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces that your child could slide down or become trapped.

You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside baby sleeper crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.

Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with additional features that you may consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.

You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet 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 referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or include additional features such as tilting, rocking bedside crib (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than other travel-friendly cribs we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit that can be used to help you. It is also easy to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also likes the ease of clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It's designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal option for those with limited space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.