Five Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of the bed. Some have sides that can be raised for easy access, while others come with an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It folds up into the smallest 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 close to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more mobile. 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 portable travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.

Some bedside crib travel cot cribs feature an additional side panel that can be removed so that you can easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to be close to their child throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult an expert in health or a doctor before attempting it.

Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to protect your child from light or noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.

Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can view your baby through.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Some allow you to keep the barrier lowered but raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who have an apprehension of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.

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

If you're looking for something a little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics to complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into a bag.

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 also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, infant sick and dribbles. It's important to select a model that can be removed and partially dismantled so that you can access every nook and cranny for an extensive cleaning and sanitising.

This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there are no gaps or areas in which your child could fall down or get trapped.

Apart from being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib travel crib that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is especially important if you're 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 baby at night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.

Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any extra features you might find useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.

You'll also want to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will decrease 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 a good idea to buy a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one that was passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just due to its sleek Scandi design. This one has six height adjustments, as well as a handy storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than some of the more portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also simple to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.

Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal option for those who have little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.