An Easy-To-Follow Guide To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs resemble a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. They usually have a single side that can be dropped down for easy reach and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a fast build. It folds up into a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are typically easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble 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 height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be removed to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their child throughout the night but don't wish to risk co-sleeping.
Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be very comforting for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.
Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help calm them down. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels with conversion kits, as well as tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height settings to match your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of build, comfortable and compact. travel cot bedside called a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cozy and comfortable
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 option for moms who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of your bed. The most comfortable 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 model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their child falling off the side of their mattress.
you could try here was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to accommodate the baby's position.
If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs with a variety of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without requiring any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a 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 small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Find cribs with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.
This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or spaces that your child could slip 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 in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, allowing parents easy access to their child at night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When choosing a crib for your bedroom, you should also consider whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
It is also important to make sure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will reduce 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 also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one that has been passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape with 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 safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed in order for you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will include a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you put the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just due to its sleek Scandi design. This model comes with six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when stored.
The instructions are clear and there is a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many 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 durable and well-made. It can be set on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.