Five Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the side of your bed. They typically have a single side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to build, and the instructions were extremely easy to follow. It was a simple construction. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to put together

They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to put together with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be removed to allow you to easily access your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.

Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.

Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an attractive selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and 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 comes with five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was nominated for 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 a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's an excellent option for new mums recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without getting out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who have an apprehension of their child falling off the end of their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). The large bedside crib design has an opening side panel and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.

If you're looking for something a smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabrics that will match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat and slipping 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 on the larger side but is still quite compact and easy to fit to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

If you're considering bedside cribs and travel bedside crib cots make sure they have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will help keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and drips. It's important to choose one that is easily removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to all the corners and crevices to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.

This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the crib's sides are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces that your child could slide down or become trapped.

You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their child throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.

When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside, you should also consider whether it comes with extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.

It is also important to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby bedside crib's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one handed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. They usually come with a side panel that can be lowered to allow you to see your baby and touch him. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This model comes with six height adjustments and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when stored.

The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean thanks to the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.

Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and feels sturdy and well made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it a great option for those who have small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.