bedside crib and travel cot (Xojh wrote)

Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the side of your bed. They often have one side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline option that is ideal for babies who have reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were extremely clear. It was a simple build. It folds up into the smallest size, and comes with a convenient travel bag.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are typically 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, making them more portable. 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 simple zips." This crib can also be used as a travel cot and comes with a convenient bag for when you're traveling. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature the option of a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to be able to easily reach your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding, or those who want to stay close to their infant at night, but don't wish to take the risk of co-sleeping.

Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A GP or health visitor is recommended prior to attempting this position.

Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from light or noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.

A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. The MFM home testers praised it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play is a popular choice. It was a finalist for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cozy and comfortable

A bedside crib allows you to watch your baby from the peace of your bed. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a csection, since you can easily carry your baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you lift baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require straps that are longer than other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). The large bedside cot design has an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and a 360 swivel to allow you to rotate the crib to suit the position of your baby bedside co sleeper.

If you're looking for something a little smaller the Tutti Bambini CoZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and clever fabrics to complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a convenient bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been better explained on the instruction manual.

Easy to clean

Look for cribs that come with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. This will keep it clean and free of spills, spit-up, and leaky diapers. You should also select an item that can be easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise every nook and cranny.

This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. Check that the sides of the crib are secure to ensure that your baby won't fall down or get trapped.

Apart from being easy to clean, you'll need an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily access their baby bedside crib throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.

Another thing to think about when choosing a bedside cosleeper crib is if it comes with additional features that you may find useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - but remember that you should only make use of this feature with caution because it could be risky if your child is thrown out.

You'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also recommended to purchase a new mattress for your travel bedside crib cot or crib instead of using one that was given to you by someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape over time and 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.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're often referred to) is attached to your bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually have a side panel which can be adjusted to let you feel your baby's hand and see the baby. Some cribs let you 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 will also convert into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (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 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings, as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than some of the more portable cribs we've tried, but it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.

The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit included to assist you. It is also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It comes with a few additional features 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 during the night for a peaceful feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets, which means it will last for a longer time before my son grows out". She also appreciates the ease of clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, making it a great choice for those who have limited space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.