5 Killer Quora Answers To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is attached to the side of a 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 found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.

Easy to put together

They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." This crib can be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height means it can be adapted to any mattress.

Some bedside cribs feature the option of a side panel that can be lowered so that you can easily access your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be with their baby throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS).

Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial for children suffering from 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 have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.

Many bedside cot newborn cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

A bedside crib enables you to monitor your baby in the comfort of your own bed. 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 their needs at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn 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 standards). Some cribs let you lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you take the baby out. This is a good option for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best cot for bedside, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to make sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.

If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to consult the instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat before slipping into a bag for easy storage.

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 fit into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.

Easy to clean

If you're considering travel cots and bedside cot bed cribs make sure they come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and dribbles. It's important to choose a product that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access all the corners and crevices for an extensive cleaning and sanitising.

This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot fall down or get trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their infant at night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.

Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it comes with additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.

It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can see your baby and Bedside Crib and Travel Cot touch him. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby, while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features like tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This crib has six height settings as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also heavier and bulkier than the other portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also simple to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few more features than other cribs we've used including an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels durable and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with a little space. Additionally, it comes with a handy carry bag to take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.