bedside crib and travel cot (planforexams.Com)

bedside crib or cot cribs look like the bassinet that is attached to the side of the bed. They often have one side that can be dropped down for easy reach and some come with an incline option that is ideal for reflux babies.

MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the instructions were clear. It was a quick construction. It folds down to a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are generally easy to set up, and are usually on the smaller side to can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super easy to build, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a portable travel crib, and it comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside cot used use the option of a side panel that can be adjusted to let you easily reach your baby without stepping out of the bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to stay close to their child at night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.

The majority of models have an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which can be useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. They 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 that protects your baby from sound or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.

Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It also has five different height settings to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without getting out of bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Some allow you to keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their little one rolling off the end of their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, but does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specs to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's an integrated setting for reflux and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib according to the position your baby prefers.

If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabric options that will match your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't have to consult the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed 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, however it is still compact and easy to attach onto your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she did find that the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at travel cots or bedside crib with wheels cribs make sure they have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and drips. It's an excellent idea to choose one that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, to allow you access to all the nooks and crannies to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.

This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. It is also important to ensure that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there aren't any gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.

You'll also want to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is especially important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.

When choosing a crib for your bed, you should also consider whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. For instance, some cribs have the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but be aware that you should only utilize this feature with care as it could be dangerous if your child falls out.

It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was used previously or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time and increase the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. The majority of cribs include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping in a bed with your newborn and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak 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 only about its sleek, Bedside Crib and Travel Cot modern design. It comes with six height adjustments, and a handy storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our other cribs that are more portable, but it comes in a convenient bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.

The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean using an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more amenities than other cribs we've used, 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 your baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those who have limited space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.