7 Things About Bedside Crib And Travel Cot You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are attached to the side of a bed. Some have an end that can be adjusted to allow easy access, and others have an incline that is perfect for reflux babies. MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together, and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for traveling. Easy to assemble Bedside cribs are typically easy to set up, and are on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being “super easy to put together with clear instructions and easy zips.” The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around traveling. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress. Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be lowered, giving you an easy access to your baby without having to get out of your own bed. This is a great solution for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS). Most models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it. Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to protect your child from light or noise, which is beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space that is perfect for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child. Some cribs for bedside use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds This is a big selling point for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it a great travel companion. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers praised it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. Cosy and comfortable You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through. Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the risk (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you have lifted baby out. This is better for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress. The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure that your bed can accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to turn the crib to suit your baby's preferred position. If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly, without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat before slipping into a convenient 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 fit onto your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet. Easy to clean Find cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the corners. This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped. It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their infant throughout the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide. When selecting a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it comes with extra features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care because it could be risky if your child falls out. You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding. It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than use one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions. Multi-faceted The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without leaving your bed. bedside travel cot can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and convenient with your baby, while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. bedside travel cot can also be converted into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen. The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other portable cribs we've tried however it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage. The instructions are simple and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket. Jasmin says it's a great crib because it's “easy to reach baby during the night for fuss-free feeding, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son outgrows it”. She also loves how easy it is to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be placed on divans, making it an ideal choice for those who have little space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.