5 Things That Everyone Is Misinformed About About Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of the bed. Some have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an incline that is ideal for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are generally easy to put together, and are on the smaller side, so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around on the move. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be with their baby throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be very comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a doctor or health professional 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 beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. cotsfortots has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfy
You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. 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 co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you take baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and beds however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.
The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, but is still relatively compact and easy to fit into your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect all the nooks.
This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. It is also important to ensure that the crib's sides are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could fall down or get trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your own bed. This is especially important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents easy access to their child during the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping areas provide.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside take into consideration whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of 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 also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one that has been handed down from someone else 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.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be removed so that you can feel your baby's hand and see him. Some have the option to keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features such as tilting, rocking or even converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek, modern design. This one has six height adjustments and a handy storage shelf. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for a peaceful feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and is sturdy and well-made. It can be set on a divan, which makes it a great option for those who have limited space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.