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Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs look similar to the bassinet that is connected to the side of the bed. They often have a single side that can be lowered down for easy reach and some even have an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to put together and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It also folds down into a compact size 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 mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside co sleeper use a side panel which can be lowered to let you be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to be close to their infant during the night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.

The majority of models have a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby and help them sleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be helpful in the case of reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.

A lot of bedside cribs have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light or sound, which can be helpful in keeping them calm. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby.

Many cribs for large bedside cot use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it travel-friendly. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home testers loved the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play is a different popular option. It was nominated for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and cozy

You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your child towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of your bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that let you see your baby through.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you lift the baby out. This is a good option for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel and an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase the flow of air. There's an integrated setting for reflux as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib in accordance with the position your baby prefers.

If you're seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabric options that will complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together - Georgina who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to look up the instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and 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 somewhat larger, but is still relatively compact and easy to fit onto your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

If you're considering bedside cribs and travel cots, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and spills. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny.

This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could slip down or become trapped.

In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is particularly crucial if you're using a bedside cot wooden crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their infant at night to feed and comfort them while maintaining the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

When selecting a crib for your bedside take into consideration whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.

It is also important to make sure that your cot or crib has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one that was handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape with time which increases the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be lowered so that you can feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel down throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of co sleeper bedside cot-sleeping with your newborn, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this), or turning into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek Scandi design. This crib comes with six height settings and an attractive shelf for storage. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it dust-free and clean when stored.

It's easy to assemble, with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean thanks to a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It has a few more amenities than other cribs we've used including an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, so it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and how it feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.