14 Questions You're Anxious To Ask Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like a bassinet and are attached to the side of a bed. They typically have a single side that can be put down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux.
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 also folds down into a compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to put together
They are small and simple to set up, so they can be placed next 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 build, 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 moving. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted so that you can be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their infant at night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.
The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and aid them to fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted before trying this position.
A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs have a storage area underneath that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it suitable for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up 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
You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with a crib that is placed at your bedside. It's a great option for new mums recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your infant towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of your bed. And the most cozy cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can view your baby through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you 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 but then raise it again after you take the baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
try what he says , which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and an swivel 360 that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate the baby's position.
If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to read the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will help keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and dribbles. You should also select one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces that your child could slide down or become trapped.
You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring separate sleeping surfaces.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed take into consideration whether it has extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
Also, you should make sure that your crib or travel cot has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one that was given to you by someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can see your baby and touch him. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This one has six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs, but it comes in a convenient bag to keep it dust-free and clean when stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also simple to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of 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 that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with little space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.