bedside crib and travel cot (menwiki.men)

Bedside cribs look similar to an infant bassinet, and are attached to the side of a bed. Some have sides that can be lowered for easy access, and others have an inclined design that is perfect for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it a quick and easy build. It folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.

Easy to assemble

bedside crib or cot cribs are typically easy to put together, and are usually on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to put together, with clear instructions, and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.

Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, allowing you easy access to your baby without the need to get out of your bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to be close to their baby during the night, but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.

Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be very relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be helpful in the case of reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.

A lot of bedside cribs come with a canopy to protect your baby from light and sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby bedside sleeper.

Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels as well as a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed and was loved by our MFM home testers for being easy to assemble, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard Also known as a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside crib that turns into cot crib enables you to watch your baby in the comfortable bed. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section because you can easily pull baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that allow you to observe your baby's growth.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the comfort of sleeping with your partner without the risk (check that the crib you choose meets the latest safety requirements however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you lift baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the best bedside cot uk Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to bedsteads and divans, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.

If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together quickly and without requiring any instructions. It's also a good travel cot that folds flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, Bedside Crib and Travel Cot 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 every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.

This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby won't slide off or become trapped.

In addition to being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is particularly important when you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their baby throughout the night for feeding and comforting while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.

When you are choosing a crib to put at your bed take into consideration whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt, but remember that you should only utilize this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your child gets out of the crib.

You'll also want to make sure that your cot or crib has a sturdy and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because the baby's head and feet will not fall into 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 handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your bed to sleep. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel which can be adjusted to let you feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features, such as rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older baby cot.

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

The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and storage space.

Jasmin says that this crib is great because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night for fuss free feeding and larger than most Moses Baskets, which means it will last a longer time before my son grows out". She also loves the ease of clean and feels sturdy and well made. It can be set on divans, making it an ideal choice for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.