The Ultimate Guide To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the bed's side. They typically have one side that can be put down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux. MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the directions were very clear. It was a quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for traveling. Easy to assemble They are small and simple to set-up, so they can be placed near your bed. They also tend to be lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, was extremely pleased with the Maxi-Cosi for being “super easy to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips.” The crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a handy bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to be adapted to any mattress. Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be removed to let you easily access your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS). The majority of models have an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be very soothing for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a doctor or health professional should be consulted prior to trying this position. Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm the baby. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothes for your child. A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height settings to match your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. Cosy and comfortable A bedside crib allows you to watch your baby from the comfort of your own bed. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. 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 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 raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by fears of their little one rolling off the end of their mattress. The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket – is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to be sure your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also bedside cot crib integrated set-up for reflux and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to turn the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position. If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It is also very 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's also a great travel cot that folds flat and popping into a convenient bag. The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to set up however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear about the zips. Easy to clean Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and disinfect all the nooks. This is important, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't fall off or be trapped. Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their child during the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces provide. Another thing to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is if it comes with additional features you might find useful. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt – but remember that you should only use this feature with care, as it can be risky if your child is thrown out. You'll also want to ensure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will lower 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 a good idea purchase a 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, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions. Multi-faceted The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes called it is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be lowered so that you can be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like tilting, rocking, or converting into an older baby cot. The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This model comes with six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also bulkier and heavier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage. The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment. Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's “easy to reach your baby during the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son grows out of it”. She also appreciates the ease of clean and that it feels sturdy and well made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take with you when you're traveling. A perfect all-rounder.