Bedside Crib and Travel Cot<br /><br />Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the side of your bed. They often come with a side that can be lowered down for easy reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for reflux babies.<br /><br />MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were extremely easy to follow. It was a fast construction. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for transport.<br /><br />Easy to assemble<br /><br />They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be placed next to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi Lora crib for being "super straightforward to build with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around on the move. 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 a side panel that can be lowered, giving you an easy access to your baby without having to step out of bed. This is a great option for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked with an increased risk of SIDS).<br /><br />Many models come with an integrated rocking feature. This can be a relaxing experience for your baby and aid them to sleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that is beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position should only be used with supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.<br /><br />Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light or noise, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some cribs have a storage area underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and other clothes for your child.<br /><br />Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with removable side panels as well as conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it a versatile travel bed. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed and was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is a different favorite, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&amp;Baby Awards.<br /><br />Cozy and comfortable<br /><br />You can monitor your child from the in the comfort of your bed using the bedside crib. It's an ideal option for a mom who is recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby to your side for night feeds or nappy changes without having to get up. The most cozy cribs come with mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.<br /><br />Some cribs lower the barrier completely, offering the convenience of co-sleeping 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 and then lift it back up after you lift baby out. This is ideal for parents with concerns about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.<br /><br /><br /><br />The Luah was awarded the Mother&amp;Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to clip on to divans and beds but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed can be accommodated). <a href="https://www.openlearning.com/u/torreshodge-sogjzd/blog/10BedsideCotsUkTricksAllExpertsRecommend">bedside crib travel</a> comes with an opening side panel, a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to improve air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360-degree swivel to allow you to turn the crib to suit the preferred position of your baby.<br /><br />If you're looking for something little smaller, the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and clever fabrics to match your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble as Georgina who took part in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't even need to consult the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a convenient bag.<br /><br />The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&amp;Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.<br /><br />Easy to clean<br /><br />If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that have a mattress cover that is removable that can be machine-washed. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and dribbles. It's also a good idea to choose a product that can be disassembled and dismantled in parts, to allow you access to every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.<br /><br />This is crucial, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been eliminated. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely attached, so there aren't any gaps or spaces where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.<br /><br />It is also important to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and it is a good fit for your bed. This is especially important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents and allow parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.<br /><br />Another aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is whether it comes with extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.<br /><br />You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the chance of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet do not slide into gaps or folds in the bedding.<br /><br />It's also an excellent idea to purchase a new mattress for your travel cot or crib instead of using one passed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions.<br /><br />Multi-faceted<br /><br />The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's often referred to, attaches to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily during the night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can be used as a separate crib in the daytime. The majority of cribs feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can feel and see your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks 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 an older baby cot or playpen.<br /><br />The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for a variety of reasons, not only because of its sleek Scandi design. This crib has six height settings and a useful shelf for storage. It's also a little heavier and bulkier than many of our other cribs that are more portable however it comes with a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when it's stored.<br /><br />It's simple to put together, 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 more extras than some of the other bedside cribs we've tried including an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.<br /><br />Jasmin says it's an excellent crib due to its "easy to reach your baby during the night for fuss-free feeding and it's larger than many Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also likes how easy it is to clean and how it is sturdy and well-made. It can be placed on divans, making it a great option for those who have little space. It also comes with a handy bag that you can carry to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.<br /><br />