5 Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed. They usually have a single side that can be put down for easy access and some even have an incline that's ideal for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
large bedside cot cribs are typically easy to set up, and are on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're on the move. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs for large bedside crib use an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be very relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful in the case of reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs have a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
Some bedside baby bed cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds and is an attractive selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it suitable for travel. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also called a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
A bedside crib to cot crib lets you to keep an eye on your child from the comfortable bed. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that you can see your newborn through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it again after you take the baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require a few more straps than other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib according to the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something smaller in size, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and stylish fabric options to complement your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat and popping 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 but is still small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby won't fall down or get trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents to have easy access to their infant at night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with extra features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should use this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby is thrown out.
You'll also want to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than using one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside cots uk crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) is attached to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your own sleeping area. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn, 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, remember to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings and an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when stored.
It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for a peaceful feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.
