20 Tips To Help You Be More Effective At Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the bed's side. They typically come with a side that can be put down for easy access, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux. MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag. Easy to put together They are small and simple to set-up, so they can be placed near your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being “super straightforward to build, with clear instructions and simple zips.” This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress. Some cribs with a bedside have the option of a side panel that could be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without having to step out of your own bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers or parents who want to be close to their child all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to an increased risk of SIDS). The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position. Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light and noise, which is helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child. Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often an important selling point for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home test participants praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular choice. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. Cosy and comfy A bedside crib enables you to monitor your baby from the peace of your bed. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through. Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you take baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child's ability to roll off 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 beds, but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. Additionally, large bedside crib has an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate the position of your baby. If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that match your decor. It's also easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly, without needing to consult any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags. The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still quite compact and easy to attach onto your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips. Easy to clean If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and spills. It's important to select a model that is able to be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the corners and crevices to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session. This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped. You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces. When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed, you should also consider whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy. You'll need to ensure 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 a good idea buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than using one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend 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. Versatile A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be removed so that you can be able to see your baby and hold him. Some have the option to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot. Others have additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or converting into an older baby cot. The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings, as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also bulkier and heavier than some of the more travel-friendly cribs we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage. It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few more features than other cribs for bed we've tested including an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function, and a storage pocket. Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's “easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets so it will last a longer period of time before my son grows out”. She also appreciates the ease of clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal option for those with limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.