5 Killer Quora Answers To 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. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the instructions were very simple. It was a simple build. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are generally easy to set up, and are on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to put together with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be removed to let you easily access your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers, 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 to a higher risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be very comforting for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position.

A lot of cribs with a small bedside cot have a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming the baby. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great for stashing extra 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 point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel bed. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great choice for mothers 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 having to get out of the bed. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you take baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to fit the position of your baby.

If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that match your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly, without having to look up any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, but is still quite compact and easy to attach onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.

Easy to clean

If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and spills. It's an excellent idea to choose one that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access every nook and cranny for an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.

This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces in which your child could slip down or become trapped.

Apart from being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib travel crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents easy access to their child throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.

When selecting a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - but be aware that you should only make use of this feature with caution as it could be dangerous if your baby gets out of the crib.

It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby bedside cot's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that has been passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Versatile

A bedside cot 6 months plus crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your bed to sleep. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be removed so that you can be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as tilting, rocking or converting into a larger crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just due to its sleek, modern design. This model comes with six height adjustments, and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it dust-free and clean when stored.

The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed him without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and that it feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it an ideal choice for those with little space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.