5 Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are attached to the side of a bed. They usually have one side that can be dropped 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 very easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to put together

They are small and easy to set up, so they can be set close to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to construct with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag for when you're moving. 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 have the option of a side panel that could be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).

Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a soothing experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position.

Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to protect your baby from light and noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Many cribs for bedside rocking crib use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to set up 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 cozy

A twin bedside cot crib enables you to watch your baby from the comfort of your own bed. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, because you can easily pull baby out towards you for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the associated risks (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have an apprehension of their little one rolling off the end of their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but it does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to turn the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.

If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't have to look up the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat before slipping into a convenient bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spills, and leaky diapers. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the corners.

This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces in which your child could slip down or become trapped.

Apart from being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.

When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed, you should also consider whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.

It is also important to ensure that your crib or travel cot for bedside has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted 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 instead of using one that has been handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to see your baby and touch him. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great choice for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.