bedside crib to cot crib and travel cot (Sixn said in a blog post)

Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to the bed's side. Some have an end that can be lowered for easy access, while others have an incline that is perfect for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the instructions were simple. It was a quick construction. It also folds down to a compact size and comes with a handy bag for traveling.

Easy to put together

They are compact and easy to set-up, so they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib 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 windows that allow for ventilation and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside baby bed use an additional side panel that can be lowered, giving you easy access to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers or those who wish to be close to their baby throughout the night but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).

Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs have a reclining position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should talk to an expert in health or a doctor before you attempt it.

Many cribs for bed have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great to store 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 major selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It comes with removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It also comes with 5 different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard, also known as a Pack and Play is a popular option. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.

Cosy and cozy

A bedside cot mattress crib lets you to keep an eye on your little one 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 out towards you to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so you can see your newborn through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the convenience of co-sleeping without the risk (check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but pop it back up after you've lifted baby out, which is better for parents who are afflicted by an apprehension of their baby falling off the edge of their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and bedsteads but requires longer straps (check your specifications to be sure your bed can be accommodated). It's a large model with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. There's an integrated setting for reflux, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to turn the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby.

If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also extremely easy to assemble and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot that folds flat and slipping into a convenient 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, however it is still small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear about the zips.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs that come with 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, spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.

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

It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you're using a 4-in-1 bedside crib crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.

Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features that you may consider useful. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution because it could be risky if your child gets out of the crib.

You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to lose their shape over time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Versatile

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the intimacy and convenience of sleeping with your baby however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot, or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP regarding this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This model comes with six height adjustments and a handy storage shelf. It's also heavier and bulkier than other travel-friendly cribs we've tested however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

It's easy to set up with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It is also easy to clean with a machine washable mattress cover and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.

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 is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes the ease of clean and feels sturdy and well made. It's designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal option for those who have small bedside cot space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.