Five Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
bedside crib and travel cot - more helpful hints,
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. They typically come with a side that can be dropped down for easy access and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
bedside crib travel cribs are generally easy to put together, and are on the smaller side, so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making 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 be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close 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 be close to their infant at night, but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside rocking crib come with a canopy to shield your baby from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels, conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of build and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the risks (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it again after you have lifted the baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but it does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to fit the position of your baby.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat and popping into a handy 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 compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to select a model that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or areas that your child could slip down or become trapped.
You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it fits with your bed. This is particularly important in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
When selecting a crib for your bedroom take into consideration whether it comes with extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
Also, you should ensure that your cot or crib has a firm 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 aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was given to you by someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely 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 most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The 4-in-1 bedside crib crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your bed. They can be used as standalone cribs in 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 put the side panel down 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 come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (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 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib has six height settings and an attractive shelf for storage. It's also bulkier and heavier than some of the more travel-friendly cribs we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It is also easy to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few features than other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as 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 of the night for fuss free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.