Five Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
twin bedside cot cribs resemble a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are compact and easy to set-up, so they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina who was one of the 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 be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're on the move. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height means it will fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great option 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 linked to a higher risk of SIDS).
Many models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your child from light or noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby bedside co sleeper.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it a versatile travel bed. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your little one from the comfortable bed. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements however). Some allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their baby falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something a little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and smart fabrics that will match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble - Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits 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 fit to 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
If you're considering bedside cribs and travel cots, look for ones that have a mattress cover that is removable that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also select one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any 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 is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you are using a 4-in-1 bedside crib 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 or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with extra features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but remember that you should only use this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby falls out.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not only because of its sleek, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in a handy bag to keep it dust-free and clean when stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the other cribs we've used including an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also loves the ease of clean and how it feels solid and well-made. It can be set on divans, making it a great option for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.