5 Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot bedside that fixes to the bed's side. They usually have a single side that can be dropped down for easy access, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It features multiple mesh windows for breathability, and the adjustable height makes it will fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a twin bedside cot have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their infant at night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be helpful for children suffering from 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 crib and travel cot cribs have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light and noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble as well as 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.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs come with 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 risk (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some allow you to lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their child falling off the edge 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 beds but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large design that has an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and stylish fabric options to complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to read the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag.
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 simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs be sure to look for models that have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, infant sick and dribbles. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is easily 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, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is especially crucial when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents easy access to their child during the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When selecting a crib for your bedside cot bed take into consideration whether it has extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
Also, you should ensure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure 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 passed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk for 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.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) is attached to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to leave your own sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be removed to let you be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not only because of its sleek Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed him without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.
