Five Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. They usually have one side that can be put down for easy reach, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the directions were simple. It was a simple construction. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
bedside cosleeper cribs are generally simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to build 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 for breathability and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside crib and travel cot use the option of a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can easily access your baby without getting out of the bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their infant throughout the night but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside sleeper cot use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it a versatile travel bed. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to build and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfortable
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 a great option for moms who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without getting out of bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who have a fear of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.
If you're looking for something little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabrics to complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to read the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat before slipping into a bag for easy storage.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and drips. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or areas where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your own bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with additional features you might consider useful. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although remember that you should only use this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby falls out.
You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head will not fall into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your own sleeping area. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not only because of its sleek, modern design. The crib comes with six height settings and an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer time before my son grows out". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it an ideal option for those who have small space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.