15 Weird Hobbies That Will Make You Smarter At Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look like the bassinet that is connected to the side of the bed. They often come with a side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble and the instructions were extremely easy to follow. It was a fast construction. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.

Easy to put together

They are small and simple to set-up, so they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, making 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 simple zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around traveling. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or those who wish to be with their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and help them to sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.

Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to protect your baby from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.

A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has removable side panels, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside crib lets you to keep an eye on your little one in the comfortable bed. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your infant towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. And  bedside rocking crib  have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the risk (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Others allow you to lower the barrier but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their child falling off the end of their mattress.

The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to make sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design features an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve 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 are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabrics that match your decor. It is also very easy to assemble. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without needing to consult any instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs, look for ones that come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and drips. It is also recommended to choose a model that is easily disassembled so you can clean and disinfect all the corners.

This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Make sure that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby doesn't fall off or be trapped.

It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.

When choosing a crib for your bed it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that may be beneficial to you. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - although be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your child gets out of the crib.

Also, you should ensure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that is snugly inserted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea purchase a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to losing their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. They usually have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib comes with six height settings, as well as a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in an attractive bag that keeps it dust-free and clean when stored.

The instructions are clear and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean with the mattress cover that is machine washable and breathable fabric. It has a few more features than other cribs for bed we've tested, such as an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function, and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it a great option for those who have small space. It also comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.