Buzzwords De-Buzzed: 10 Other Methods To Say Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are attached to the sides of a bed. They often have a single side that can be dropped down for easy access and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually simple to set up and are usually on the smaller side, so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super straightforward to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have a side panel that can be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without having to step out of your bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their baby all night long but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
The majority of models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.
Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming your baby down. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of 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 that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also comes with 5 different height settings to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and cozy
A bedside crib enables you to watch your baby from the comfort of your own bed. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get up. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby off, which is better for parents who have a fear of their little one rolling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded 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 other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). 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. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It is also very easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.
Suggested Website , shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs that come with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and dribbles. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is easily disassembled and dismantled in parts, so that you can access all the nooks and crannies to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, since it's the best way to ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't fall down or get trapped.
You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially crucial if you're 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 for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is if it comes with extra features you might 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 firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to, attaches 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 standalone cribs during the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be lowered to let you see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. It comes with six height adjustments and a handy storage shelf. 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 easy to follow and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night for fuss-free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also likes that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it an ideal choice for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.