Five Killer Quora Answers On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs resemble the bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. Some have a side that can be raised for easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM tester Georgina found this crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to assemble

They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to construct, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around on the move. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.

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

Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult your doctor or health professional prior to attempting it.

Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from light and sound, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.

A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside crib lets you to watch your baby in the comfortable bed. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Others allow you to lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have a fear of their child falling off the edge of their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for best bedside cot for newborn Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase airflow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to fit the position of your baby.

If you're looking for something smaller in size than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabric options to match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly, without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down 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 but is still compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

If you're considering travel cots and bedside baby bed cribs, look for ones that come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and spills. It's important to choose a product that can be removed and partially dismantled so you can get into every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.

This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.

Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is particularly important in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.

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 can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.

It is also important to make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape with time and increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel down 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 transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as tilting, rocking, or even converting into an older baby cot.

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 handy shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few more features than other bedside crib and travel cot cribs we've tried with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal choice for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.