Five Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the bed's side. Some have a side that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to put together
foldable bedside crib cribs are generally easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also 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 zips that are easy to open." The crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have the option of a side panel that could be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who wish to remain close to their baby throughout the night but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby, and can help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light and noise, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling factor for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It has five height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby up to you for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who have fears of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib according to your baby's preferred position.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabrics that complement your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a convenient 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, however it is still compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're considering bedside crib that turns into cot cribs and travel cots make sure they come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. It's also a good idea to choose one that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies for an extensive cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a wooden bedside cot crib for co sleeper bedside cot-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to have easy access to their infant at night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel cot bedside bed instead of using one that was passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features such as tilting, rocking or converting into a larger baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This model comes with six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than other portable cribs we've tried and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few amenities than other cribs we've used with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for a peaceful feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with little space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.