5 Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
bedside cot for twins cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side. They often have a single side that can be dropped down for easy reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. 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 easy zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside crib travel cribs have the option of a side panel that could be adjusted to lower, allowing you an easy access to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums, 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 an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many bedside cots cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise and light. This can help to calm them down. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is a big selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it a versatile travel bed. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to build and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib allows you to monitor your little one from the peace of your bed. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of your bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it again after you take the baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require a few more straps than other models (check the specs to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller in size, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabrics that will fit your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly, without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat and popping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the best bedside cot Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still quite small and easy to put to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and dribbles. It's also a good idea to choose a product that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to every nook and cranny to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas that your child could slip down or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is whether 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 - although be aware that you should only use this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby falls out.
Also, you should make sure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib to cot crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek, modern design. This model comes with six height adjustments, and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are clear and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also simple to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also loves how easy it is to clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It can be set on divans, making it an ideal choice for those with small space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.