Armando Atkin

bedside cot bed crib and travel cot (Link Home Page)

Bedside cribs look similar to a bassinet and are connected to the side of a bed. They typically have a single side that can be lowered down for easy reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for reflux babies.

MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble and the instructions were extremely simple. It was a simple construction. It also folds down to the size of a small bag and comes with a convenient bag for traveling.

Easy to put together

They are small and simple to set up, so they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble with clear instructions, and easy zips." This crib can be used as a portable travel cot and comes with a convenient bag. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside feature a side panel which can be removed to let you be able to easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or for those who want to stay close to their child throughout the night but don't wish to take on the risk of co-sleeping.

Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be very comforting for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position that can be helpful if your child has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position.

Many cribs for bed come with an umbrella to protect your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and other clothes for your child.

A lot of 4-in-1 bedside crib cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed as well as conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for its comfort and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play, is another popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

You can keep an eye on your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's a great option for a mom who is recovering from a c-section, as you can easily lift baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get up. The cosiest cribs come with mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.

Some cribs let you 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). Others allow you to keep the barrier down but then raise it after you've lifted baby off, which is ideal for parents who have a fear of their little one rolling off the side of their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require a few more straps than other models (check the specifications to make sure that your bed will be able to fit). It's a large design that has an opening side panel and a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting and the 360 swivel, that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate your baby's position.

If you're looking for something little smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and smart fabrics that will match your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't need to read the instructions. It is also a great travel cot. It folds flat and easily fits into a bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, however she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

If you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they have a removable mattress cover that is machine-washable. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It is also recommended to choose an item that can be easily disassembled to allow you to clean and sanitise all the nooks.

This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Also, you should ensure that the sides of the crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces that your child could slip down or become trapped.

You'll also want to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you are using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily reach their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.

Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with additional features that you may find useful. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt - although keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution as it could be dangerous if your child gets out of the crib.

It is also important to ensure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bedside crib bed instead of using one that was handed down from someone else or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more likely to lose their shape with time and increase 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 safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) is attached to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your own sleeping area. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the panel closed all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby and reduces the dangers of bed-sharing. Some cribs can also be transformed into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features, such as tilting, rocking or converting into a larger crib for babies.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as an excellent storage shelf. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than other portable cribs we've tried and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.

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

Jasmin says this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby during the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer before my son outgrows it". She also appreciates how easy it is to clean and how it feels solid and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed which makes it a great option for those who have little space. It also comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when travelling. A perfect all-rounder.