20 Tools That Will Make You Better At Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your bed. They often come with a side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline setting that's perfect for babies with reflux. MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were simple, resulting in a quick and easy build. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a convenient travel bag. Easy to put together Bedside cribs are typically simple to set up and are on the smaller side to fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more mobile. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was “super easy to assemble, with clear instructions and simple zips.” foldable bedside crib can be used as a portable crib and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress. Some cribs with a bedside have a side panel that can be lowered, giving you the ability to be close to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mums 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). Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a comforting experience for your baby and help them to sleep. 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 or light. This can help in calming them down. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby. Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard, also called a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award. Cosy and comfortable You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a csection, because you can easily pull baby out towards you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through. Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing 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). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is ideal for parents who have fears of their baby falling off the end of their mattress. The Luah – which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket – is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specifications to make sure your bed can accommodate). It's a large design that has an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase airflow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib according to the preferred position of your baby. If you're looking for something little smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabric options to complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat and slipping into a convenient bag. 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 found it easy to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual. Easy to clean If you're considering travel cots and bedside cribs make sure they have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles spills, and leaky diapers. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect all the nooks. This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Check that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby doesn't slide off or become trapped. In addition to being easy to clean, you'll want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to easily access to their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping areas provide. Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it comes with extra features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your baby is thrown out. You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet don't slide down into any 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. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions. Multi-faceted The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be removed to let you see your baby and touch him. Some have the option to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen. The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, not just due to its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings and a handy shelf to store things on. It's also heavier and bulkier 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 clear and there's a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space. Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's “easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last a longer period of time before my son grows out”. She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those who have small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can carry with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.