5 Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of the bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed near your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around on the move. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be lowered to let you be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to shield your child from light or noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Some cribs for bedside use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. 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, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside baby sleeper crib allows you to watch your baby in the peace of your bed. 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 their needs at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you take baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure your bed can be accommodated). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost airflow. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot bedside. It folds flat and can be popped into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together although she thought the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't slide off or become trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside travel cot crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily access their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.
When choosing a crib for your bed take into consideration whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care, as it can be risky if your child gets out of the crib.
Also, you should ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one that was given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features like tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek Scandi design. This model comes with six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than other portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also simple to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few amenities than other bedside cot used cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and is sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with little space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.
