Five Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
bedside crib and travel cot cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed. They often have one side that can be put down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the instructions were very easy to follow. It was a simple construction. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are usually easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to build with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be removed to let you be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be with their baby throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be very soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.
A lot of cribs with a bedside cot crib have an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some foldable bedside crib cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is a big selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It has five height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble 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
A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your little one in the comfortable bed. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your baby towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements though). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who have a fear of their little one rolling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure that your bed can accommodate). It's a large design that has an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost the flow of air. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib according to the preferred position of your baby.
If you're looking for something smaller in size, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and clever fabrics to complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat and popping into a handy bag.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, but is still relatively small and easy to put onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up although she thought the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs make sure they come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. You should also choose an item that can be easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib travel crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to have easy access to their child at night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide.
When choosing a crib for your bedroom, you should also consider whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution as it could be dangerous if your child gets out of the crib.
You'll also want to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head do not slide 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 was passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent 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 called is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. Most will have a side panel that can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. This crib has six height settings as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a handy 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 easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and is sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with small space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.