Five Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the side of your bed. They usually have a single side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the directions were simple. It was a quick build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to assemble

Bedside 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, which makes them more portable. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions and zips that are easy to open." The crib can be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.

Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.

Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.

Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to shield your baby from light and noise, which is helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.

Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is a big selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie is the 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 ideal for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside crib lets you to monitor your baby from the comfortable bed. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your infant towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of your bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the associated risks (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their baby falling off the side of their mattress.

The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib according to the position your baby prefers.

If you're looking for something a smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics to complement 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 have to consult the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a handy bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for best bedside cot 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 straightforward to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect all the nooks.

This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or areas in which 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 in the case of a co-sleeping bedside co sleeper crib. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

Another thing to consider when choosing a large bedside crib crib is whether it comes with additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.

It is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping space. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn bedside cot however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib comes with six height settings as well as a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are simple and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few more features than other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and how it feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal option for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.