5 Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of a bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It also folds down into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.

Easy to assemble

They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed close to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more transportable. 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 also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be removed to let you easily access your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their baby during the night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.

Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be very soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.

Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help calm the baby. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.

Many bedside cot 6 months plus cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

A bedside co sleeper cot crib lets you to keep an eye on your child in the comfortable bed. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get up. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can view your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the risks (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements however). Others allow you to lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have an apprehension of their child falling off the end of their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). It's a large bedside cot design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.

If you're looking for something a little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics that will fit 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 great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.

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 assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside travel crib cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. It's also a good idea to choose one that can be removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies for an extensive cleaning and sanitising.

This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped.

In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents easy access to their infant at night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.

You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than use one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Versatile

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your sleeping space. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most will include a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby, while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or include additional features such as 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 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek Scandi design. This crib has six height settings, as well as a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.

It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and how it feels sturdy and well made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.