A Step-By'-Step Guide For Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the side of your bed. They usually have one side that can be put down for easy reach and some even have an incline that's ideal for reflux babies.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to build, and the instructions were clear. It was a simple construction. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.
Easy to put together
They are small and simple to set up, meaning they can be placed next to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and zips that are easy to open." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use the option of a side panel that can be removed so that you can be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who wish to remain 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 very soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming them down. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space which is ideal 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 key selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it suitable for travel. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed, and was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of build and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch 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, as you can easily lift baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who have a fear of their child falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divans but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning that increases air flow. In addition, there's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the position of your baby.
If you're looking for something a smaller in size, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabric options to complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly, without having to look up any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.
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 attach onto your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. official source will allow you to keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and spills. It's important to choose one that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Check that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.
Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any additional features that you may consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over 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 often referred to) attaches to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your bed to sleep. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that 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 comfortable with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot. Some cribs have additional features such as tilting, rocking or converting into an older baby cot.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek, modern design. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as a handy storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than some of the more travel-friendly cribs we've tested however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.
The instructions are clear and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also simple to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son is out of it". It's also easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with a little space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.