bedside Crib and travel cot (bbs.zhizhuyx.com)

Bedside cribs resemble the bassinet that is connected to the side of a bed. They usually come with a side that can be lowered down to make it easier to reach, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.

MFM test subject Georgina found this crib to be easy to put together and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It also folds down into the size of a small bedside cot bag and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.

Easy to put together

They are small and easy to set up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora for being "super easy to construct with clear instructions and simple zips." This 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 adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.

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

Many models come with a built-in rocking function. This can be very soothing for your baby, and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted prior to trying this position.

Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light and noise, which is helpful in keeping them calm. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that can be used to store extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.

Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an important selling point for families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has removable side panels, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home testers praised it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

You can watch your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside cots crib. It's a great option for a new mum 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 up. And the most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that you can view your baby through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the option of sleeping together without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is compliant with the latest safety standards however). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it again after you have lifted baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed can be accommodated). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting as well as an swivel 360 so you can rotate the crib to accommodate the baby's position.

If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabrics that fit in with your decor. It's also easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was in a position to put it together in a matter of minutes without having to look up any instructions. It's also a great travel cot for bedside. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into a bag.

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 straightforward to assemble too, although she was not convinced that the zips could have been better described on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

When you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots make sure they come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, baby sick and dribbles. You should also choose a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the corners.

This is vital, as it's the best way to ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely attached, so there are no gaps or areas in which your child could fall down or get trapped.

You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is particularly important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.

When selecting a crib for your bedside, you should also consider whether it has additional features that might be useful to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who are fussy.

It is also important to ensure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head will not fall into folds or gaps in the bedding.

It's a good idea buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than using one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Used mattresses are more prone to lose their shape over time which increases 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 to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot bedside cot or have extra features like rocking, tilting (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. This crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.

It's simple to put together with clear instructions and helpful tools to guide you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also loves how easy it is to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be placed on divans, making it a great choice for those who have little space. Additionally, it comes with a handy carry bag to carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.