15 Strange Hobbies That Will Make You Better At Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. Some have an end that can be raised for easy access, while others have an inclined design that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the directions were clear. It was a quick construction. It folds into a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are usually simple to set up and are on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib 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 handy bag for when you're traveling. It has multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height means it will fit any mattress.
Some bedside cribs have an additional side panel that can be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).
Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and aid them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional prior to attempting it.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from sound or light. This can help calm your baby down. Some cribs have an area for storage underneath that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.
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&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also has 5 different height adjustments to match your bed, and was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to assemble, 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.
Cozy and comfortable
You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a mother recovering from a c-section since you can easily carry your baby up to you for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get up. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risks (check that your chosen model is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Others allow you to keep the barrier lowered but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have a fear of their baby falling off the side of their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib according to the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It is also very simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together in a matter of minutes without having to look up any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped 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 somewhat larger, but is still quite compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for visit web site 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 spills, spills, and leaky diapers. You should also choose an item that can be easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your own bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their child throughout the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it has any extra features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of 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 aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot rather than using one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs new to market must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most have a side panel which can be removed to let you see your baby and touch him. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like tilting, rocking or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. The crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our cribs that are more suitable for travel and comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored.
The instructions are clear 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 more amenities than other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline as well as a rocking function and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer before my son is out of it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those with limited space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.