This Is The History Of 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 come with a side that can be put down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the instructions were easy to follow. It was a fast construction. It folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a handy bag for travel.
Easy to put together
Bedside cribs are usually easy 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, making them more mobile. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to put together with clear instructions and easy zips." This crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have a side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without the need to get out of your own bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their child throughout the night, 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 rocking function. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision and you should consult an expert in health or a doctor before you attempt it.
Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. bedside cot reviews come with a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Some cribs for bedside use can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds This is an attractive selling factor for families. The Joie Roomie is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play is a different popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Cosy and comfortable
You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies without getting out of your bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you take baby out. This is a good option for parents concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, and a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to rotate the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.
If you're looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that complement your decor. It's also incredibly 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 requiring any instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat before slipping 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, however it is still compact and easy to fit onto your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did find that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs be sure to look for models that come with a mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of spills, leaky diapers, and spit-up. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the corners.
This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could fall down or get trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and fits well with your own bed. This is especially important if you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.
Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside crib is if it comes with additional features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby falls out.
It is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one that was given to you by another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.
Versatile
The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be lowered so that you can feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into an older crib for babies.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek and modern Scandi design. This model comes with six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. 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.
It's simple to put together with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function, and a storage pocket.
Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it a great choice for those with limited space. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.