Five Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the side of your bed. They often have one side that can be lowered down for easy access and some come with an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be set near 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 straightforward to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside cot for twins use the option of a side panel that can be lowered to let you easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be close to their child all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be very soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be helpful in the case of reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from light or noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside cot wooden crib lets you to keep an eye on your child in the peace of your bed. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your child towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you take the baby out. This is better for parents with concerns about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, 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 sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious design with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If you are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put 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 bags.
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 relatively compact and easy to attach into your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cot wooden cribs make sure they have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. You should also choose an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the corners.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't fall down or get trapped.
Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib for 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 during the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the safety 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 find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as tilting, rocking or even converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not only because of its sleek Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with a handy bag to keep it dust-free and clean when stored.
It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby during the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also loves how easy it is to clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal option for those with small space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.