Five Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
bedside crib and travel cot (written by Fewpal)
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the side of your bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were clear. It was a fast construction. It also folds down into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside have a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.
Many bedside cots cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&baby bedside sleeper Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed. It's an excellent option for new mums recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. And the cosiest cribs also come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Others allow you to lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who have an apprehension of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib to suit your baby's preferred position.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabric options that match your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without having to look up any 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 into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't fall down or get trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib to cot crib that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their child at night to feed and comfort them, while ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When selecting a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it has extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib vs cot crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. Most will include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This one has six height adjustments, as well as an excellent storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than the other portable cribs we've tried and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It is also easy to clean using the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. It has a few more features than other cribs for bed we've tested, such as an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and feels sturdy and well made. It can be set on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those who have small space. Additionally, it comes with a handy carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.