Five Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
bedside cosleeper cribs look similar to the bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are typically easy to put together, and are on the smaller side, so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also 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." This crib can be used as a portable cot and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height ensures it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you the ability to be close to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a soothing experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to build, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib lets you to monitor your child from the comfort of your own bed. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. And the most cozy cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can view your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you have lifted baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase airflow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that will complement your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot bedside, folding down flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.
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 relatively compact and easy to attach into your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. You should also choose an item that can be easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't fall down or get trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your own bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their baby at night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When choosing a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution as it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.
You'll also want to make sure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet don't slide down into any 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 that was given to you by someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib has six height settings and an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.
The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer time before my son grows out". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, making it an ideal option for those who have limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.