5 Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
bedside crib and travel cot cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of the bed. Some have an end that can be lowered for easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds up into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are generally easy to set up, and are on the smaller side, so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more portable. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and easy zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag for when you're traveling. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height means it will fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be adjusted to let you be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their infant at night, but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and help them to fall asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor prior to attempting it.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from light and noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.
Many cribs for large bedside cot use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. 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 versatile enough for travelling. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfy
You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but raise it again after you take the baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy design that has an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion that helps increase air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and stylish fabric options to match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot that 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 capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. It's also a good idea to choose a product that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into every nook and cranny to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.
It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with additional features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than use one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Versatile
The large bedside cot crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your bed. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most will include a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This model comes with six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than some of the more portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few more features than other cribs we've used with, like an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also likes the ease of clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with a little space. It also comes with a handy bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.