How To Save Money On Bedside Crib And Travel Cot
Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the side of your bed. They typically have one side that can be put down for easy reach, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.
MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the directions were extremely clear. It was a simple construction. It folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for transport.
Easy to put together
They are small and simple to set up, so they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina who was one of MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." The crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around on the move. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be removed to let you be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to stay close to their child at night, but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.
Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be a soothing experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. twin bedside cot should only be used under supervision. A doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm the baby. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.
Some cribs for bedside use can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is a big selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It also has five different height settings to match your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cosy and comfy
A bedside crib enables you to watch your little one from the comfortable bed. It's a great option for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your infant towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without getting out of bed. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that let you see your baby through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards however). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who have a fear of their baby falling off the edge of their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to bedsteads and divans however, it requires a longer strap (check your specs to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to fit the baby's position.
If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't need to consult the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.
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 quite compact and easy to attach into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together although she thought the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spills, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access all the nooks and crannies for an efficient cleaning and sanitising.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached so that your baby cannot fall off or be trapped.
Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is especially important when you're using a bedside crib that sleeps with your child. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their child throughout the night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.
When you are choosing a crib to put at your bedside it is important to consider whether it has additional features that may be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should use this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your child is thrown out.
Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.
It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one that was passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time and 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, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to it is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without having to leave your bed. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or even turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This model comes with six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more 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 clear and there is a handy toolkit included to assist you. It is also easy to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels solid and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it a great option for those with limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.