5 Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the side of your bed. They often come with a side that can be dropped down for easy reach and some even have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.

MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the instructions were easy to follow. It was a fast build. It folds down to an extremely 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 are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super straightforward to construct with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a travel crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside crib and travel cot feature the option of a side panel that can be lowered so that you can be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be with their baby all night long but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and help them sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.

A lot of cribs with a bedside baby bed have a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming your baby down. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is a big selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards, is a great example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It has five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

A bedside crib lets you to monitor your child in the comfortable bed. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier but then raise it again after you have lifted baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards for the best bedside cot for newborn Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design features an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to rotate the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.

If you're looking for something little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabrics that will fit 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 have to look up the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and slipping into a handy bag.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also slightly larger than the average, however it is still small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles leaky diapers, and spit-up. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the nooks.

This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially fall down or get trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.

Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with additional features that you may find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.

You'll need to ensure 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 by making sure that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A cheap bedside cot crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) is attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot bedside. Some cribs have additional features, such as tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older baby cot.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings and an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than other 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 clear and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also simple to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son grows out of it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and how it feels sturdy and well made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with little space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.