Bedside Crib and Travel Cot<br /><br />Bedside cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of the bed. They often come with a side that can be lowered down for easy access, and some have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.<br /><br />MFM tester Georgina found the crib to be easy to build and the instructions were clear, making it an easy and quick build. It folds up into an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient travel bag.<br /><br />Easy to assemble<br /><br />They are small and simple to set up, so they can be set near your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to put together, with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can be used as a travel crib, and it comes with a handy bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to be adapted to any mattress.<br /><br />Some bedside cribs have the option of a side panel that could be lowered, giving you an easy access to 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 child at night, but don't want to take the risk of co-sleeping.<br /><br />Most models have a built-in rocking function. This can be very soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision and you should consult an expert in health or a doctor before you attempt it.<br /><br />Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to protect your baby from light or noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothing for your baby.<br /><br />Some bedside cribs can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds and is an important selling point for families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a fantastic example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed. It was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together and comfortable. It is also compact and easy to move around. <a href="https://rentry.co/7nwt8oii">bedside crib and travel cot</a> (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&amp;Baby Awards.<br /><br />Cozy and comfortable<br /><br /><br /><br />You can monitor your child from the comfort of your bed with a bedside crib. It's a great option for moms who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed them at the night or change their nappies without having to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.<br /><br />Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping without the risks (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier and then pop it up again after you take the baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.<br /><br />The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&amp;Baby Awards Best Crib, Cot, or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than some other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a spacious design that has an opening side panel as well as an exclusive perforated base that creates an air cushion that helps increase airflow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to fit your baby's position.<br /><br />If you're looking for something a smaller in size than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a stylish option with oak legs and clever fabrics that will complement your decor. It is also very easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly and without having to look up any instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.<br /><br />The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&amp;Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.<br /><br />Easy to clean<br /><br />If you're looking at bedside cribs and travel cots make sure they come with a mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and dribbles. You should also choose one that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the nooks.<br /><br />This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the crib's sides are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas in which your child could slide down or become trapped.<br /><br />Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant 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 for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to have easy access to their infant throughout the night to feed and soothe them while maintaining the security that separate sleeping surfaces provide.<br /><br />When selecting a crib for your bed it is important to 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.<br /><br />Also, you should ensure that your crib or travel cot has a firm and flat mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.<br /><br />It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than using one that was passed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape with time and can increase the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the most recent standard that introduces more stringent requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.<br /><br />Versatile<br /><br />The bedside crib, or co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to access your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping area. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or come with additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, be sure to speak to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.<br /><br />The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just due to its sleek, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings and a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested and comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.<br /><br />The instructions are simple and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It has a few more amenities than other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.<br /><br />Jasmin says that this is an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby during the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son grows out of it". It's also easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's even designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal option for those with small space. Plus, it has a handy carry bag to take along when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.<br /><br />