15 Weird Hobbies That Will Make You More Successful At Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are connected to the side of the bed. They usually have a single side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the directions were very simple. It was a fast build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Easy to put together
They are small and easy to set up, so they can be set near 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 assemble, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag for when you're traveling. It comes with multiple mesh windows for breathability, and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress.
Some bedside cribs feature a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to easily access your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mothers 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 associated to an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby, and can help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult a doctor or health visitor before you attempt it.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is a great example. It comes with removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. 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 comfortable
You can monitor your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section since it is easy to lift your child towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the associated risks (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you lift the baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.
The Luah, which won the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed can be accommodated). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to boost air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib in accordance with your baby's preferred position.
If you're looking for something smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a stylish option with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together in a matter of minutes without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.
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 relatively compact and easy to attach to 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
Look for cribs that come with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and drips. It's important to select a model that is easily removed and partially dismantled to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could fall down or get trapped.
In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want a crib for your bed that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your own bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to have easy access to their baby at night to feed and soothe them, while ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is whether it comes with extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.
You'll also want to ensure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than using one that was handed 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 EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.
bedside co sleeper , or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This one has six height adjustments, as well as a useful storage shelf. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it clean and dust-free when it's stored.
It's easy to set up with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It is also easy to clean with the possibility of washing it in the machine and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and storage space.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic 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 time before my son is old enough to use it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it an ideal option for those with small space. Plus, it has a convenient carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.