5 Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs resemble a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. Some have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.

Easy to assemble

They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to build with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs with a 4-in-1 bedside crib have a side panel that can be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without the need to get out of your bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their child during the night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.

Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor before you attempt it.

Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light or noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.

Many newborn bedside cot cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home testers praised it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is a different favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and cozy

You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your bedside cot mattress. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby out towards you for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that let you see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check that your chosen model meets the latest safety requirements though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you have lifted baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the preferred position of your baby.

If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will complement your decor. It is also very easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly, without requiring any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into a bag.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still quite compact and easy to attach into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.

This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want a crib for your bed that is a comfortable place for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.

Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.

It is also important to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.

It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one that was handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features, such as tilting, rocking, or converting into a larger crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when stored.

It's simple to put together with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It is also easy to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few more amenities than other cribs we've used, such as an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for fuss free feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer period of time before my son gets older". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on divans, making it an ideal choice for those who have small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.