Five Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look similar to the bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed. Some have an end that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a fast build. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are usually easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "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 on the move. It features multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height means it will fit any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).

Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor before you attempt it.

Many bedside cribs come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming them down. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.

Some bedside travel cot cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside cot bed crib allows you to watch your child from the comfortable bed. It's a great choice for moms who are recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your baby towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the risks (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you have lifted baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah, which won 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 specifications to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. There's an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib according to the position your baby prefers.

If you're looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabrics that fit in with 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 even need to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot bedside cot, which folds flat and slipping 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, yet it's small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, however she did find that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at large bedside crib cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's an excellent idea to select a model that is easily removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising session.

This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could fall down or get trapped.

Apart from being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.

Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it comes with extra features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.

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

It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one given to you by someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of 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.

Multi-faceted

A bedside baby sleeper crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) is attached to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be moved down so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. The crib comes with six height settings as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.

The instructions are simple and there's 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 fabric. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and storage space.

Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed him without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great choice for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.