Are You Getting The Most You Bedside Crib And Travel Cot?
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of the bed. They often have one side that can be lowered down for easy reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for reflux babies. MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in an easy and quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag. Easy to assemble They are small and easy to set up, meaning they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was “super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and easy zips.” This crib can be used as a portable cot and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh windows that allow for ventilation, and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress. Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be removed to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their infant during the night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping. Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be a very comforting experience for your baby and aid them fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position. Most cribs with a bedside come with a canopy to shield your baby from light and sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby. Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed, and was praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Play and Pack Play is a popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. Cosy and comfy You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that you can see your newborn through. Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by a fear of their child falling off the end of their mattress. The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure that your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. In addition, there's an integrated reflux setting and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to accommodate the position of your baby. If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to read the 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 slightly larger than the average, but is still quite compact and easy to attach onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear about the zips. Easy to clean When you're looking at bedside crib s and travel cots, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, infant sick and drips. It's also a good idea to choose one that is able to be removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to all the corners and crevices to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising session. This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't fall off or be trapped. Apart from being easy to clean, you'll need a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your baby and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is especially important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces. Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any extra features you might consider useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt – but remember that you should only utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby falls out. You'll want to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding. It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one that has been given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape over time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions. Multi-faceted The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. Most have a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel down all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen. The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. It comes with six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage. The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and a storage compartment. Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's “easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for fuss free feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, so it will last for a longer period of time before my son grows out”. She also loves how easy it is to clean and how it feels sturdy and well made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.