bedside crib and travel cot - related -

newborn bedside cot cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of the bed. They typically come with a side that can be dropped down for easy reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel.

Easy to assemble

wooden bedside cot cribs are generally simple 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, 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." This crib can be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be lowered to allow you to easily access your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their baby at night, but don't want to take on the risk of co-sleeping.

The majority of models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby and aid them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision and you should consult a doctor or health visitor before attempting it.

Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help calm them down. Some have a storage compartment beneath, Bedside Crib and Travel Cot which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels as well as conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it suitable for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and cozy

You can keep an eye on your child from the peace of your bed by using a 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 the bed. The most comfortable cribs have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it again after you take the baby out. This is a good option for parents with concerns about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib according to the preferred position of your baby.

If you are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat and slipping into a handy 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 small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

If you're considering travel cots or bedside cot reviews cribs make sure they come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the corners.

This is essential, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely attached, so there are no gaps or areas that your child could fall down or get 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 to facilitate co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.

Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but be aware that you should only use this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your child falls out.

You'll also want to make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in 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 someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes referred to) can be attached to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the day. Most have a side panel which can be removed to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold him. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby, while minimising the risk of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be converted into an oversized travel cot. Some cribs have additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. The crib comes with six height settings as well as a handy shelf for storage. It's also bulkier and heavier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.

It's easy to assemble with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also simple to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested with, like an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son is out of it". She also appreciates the ease of clean and feels solid and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those who have small space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.