Bedside crib and travel cot; iblog.iup.edu,

bedside cot crib cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the side of your bed. They usually come with a side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the directions were very easy to follow. It was a simple construction. It folds into an extremely compact size and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to assemble

bedside co sleeper cribs are generally easy to set up, and are on the smaller side, so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height means it can fit on any mattress.

Some bedside cot wooden cribs have an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be with their baby throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).

Many models come with built-in rocking functions. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful in the case of reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision. A doctor or health professional is recommended prior to attempting this position.

Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help in calming the baby. Some have storage compartments underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.

A lot of bedside cot 6 months plus cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt that makes it ideal for travel. It also has five different height settings to match your bed, and was praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of assemble and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. The Graco Play Yard (also known as a pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and cozy

You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using a bedside crib. It's a great option for a mother recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby to your side to feed them or make nappy changes without needing to get up. And the cosiest cribs also have mesh sides that are breathable so which you can see your baby through.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to co-sleep without the risks. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety requirements). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you take the baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads however, it requires a longer strap (check your specifications to be sure that your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy model with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase airflow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, so you can rotate the crib to suit the position of your baby.

If you're looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabrics that fit in with 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 have to read the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into bags.

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 also found it easy to put together although she thought the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with mattress covers that can be washed in the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, baby sick and spills. It's an excellent idea to choose one that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into every nook and cranny to conduct a thorough cleaning and sanitising.

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

In addition to being easy to clean, you'll need a bedside crib that is comfortable for your baby and is compatible with your own bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, which gives parents to have easy access to their baby at night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

When selecting a crib for your bedroom take into consideration whether it has extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are fussy.

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

It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed instead of using one that was passed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used tend to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Versatile

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the day. The majority of cribs come with a side panel that can be adjusted to allow you to feel your baby's hand and see him. Some have the option to keep the panel down all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot. Others have additional features such as rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger baby cot.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek, modern design. This model comes with six height adjustments, and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it dust-free and clean when it's stored.

It's easy to set up with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby in the middle the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". She also likes the ease of clean and how it feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed making it an ideal option for those who have limited space. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carry bag to take along when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.