5 Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the side of your bed. They often come with a side that can be put down for easy access and some even have an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It also folds down into 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, so they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that can be adjusted to let you easily reach your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).
Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be very comforting for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.
Many Bedside crib or Cot cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Many bedside crib with wheels cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It also has five different height settings to match your bed, and was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is a different favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside crib lets you to monitor your little one in the peace of your bed. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a csection, because you can easily pull baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds 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 lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you take baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). It's a large design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase airflow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to suit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to consult the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the corners.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby bedside crib and is compatible with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it comes with extra features you might find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll also want to ensure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape over time, increasing 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.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like tilting, rocking bedside crib, or even converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib has six height settings as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also bulkier and heavier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It has a few more features than other bedside cribs we've tried with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great choice for those with a limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.
