Five Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble a bassinet and are connected to the side of a bed. They usually have a single side that can be dropped down for easy reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the instructions were very clear. It was a simple construction. It also folds down into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are usually easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side to 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 put together, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside crib with changing table use the option of a side panel that could be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their child at night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a soothing experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible 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 as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their child falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for best bedside cots cot for bedside, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specs to be certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to accommodate the baby's position.
If you are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabric options that match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to read the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into a 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 bedside cot and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up although she thought the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots and bedside cots for newborns cribs, look for ones that come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's important to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices for an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are secure so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your bed. This is especially important in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents easy access to their infant at night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with extra features you might consider useful. 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 sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will decrease the chance 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 instead of using one that has been passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be removed to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Others have additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf to store things on. It's also heavier and bulkier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also simple to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it a great option for those with a small space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.