bedside crib and travel cot (www.metooo.it)

Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your bed. They often have one side that can be put down for easy access and some even have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux.

MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to assemble, and the instructions were very clear. It was a quick construction. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to put together

bedside co sleeper cribs are typically easy to set up, and are on the smaller side so they are able to be placed neatly beside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. 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 be used as a portable cot and comes with a convenient bag. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height-adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be adjusted to allow you to easily reach your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their child throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping.

Most models have built-in rocking functions. This can be a very soothing experience for your baby, and can help them to fall asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that can be beneficial in the case of reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.

A lot of bedside cot crib cribs have a canopy over them to protect your baby from light and sound, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.

A lot of bedside cribs can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie, winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy-tilt, making it ideal for travel. It also has five different height settings to match your bed, and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

A bedside crib lets you to monitor your little one in the comfort of your own bed. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily carry your infant towards you to feed their needs at the night or change their nappies with no need to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that allow you to see your baby through.

Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This allows you to sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it after you've lifted baby out, which is ideal for parents who are afflicted by fears of their little one rolling off the end of their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require straps that are longer than some other models (check the specs to be sure your bed can accommodate). It's a spacious model with an opening side panel as well as a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to increase airflow. There's an integrated setting for reflux as well as the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to rotate the crib to suit the position your baby prefers.

If you're looking for something a smaller in size the Tutti Bambini CoZee is a different stylish option, with oak legs and clever fabric options to match 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, without having to look up any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, folding down flat and popping into a bag for easy storage.

The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also somewhat larger, but is still relatively small and easy to put to your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she was not convinced that the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction sheet.

Easy to clean

Find cribs with removable mattress covers that can be washed with the machine when you are looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and dribbles. You should also select a model that is easily disassembled to allow you to clean and disinfect all the corners.

This is vital, since it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. You'll also want to check that the sides of your crib are securely connected, ensuring there are no gaps or areas that your child could slide down or become trapped.

Apart from being easy to clean, you'll also want a bedside crib that is a comfortable place for your baby and is compatible with your bed. This is especially important when you're using a co-sleeping bedside cot for twins crib. These cribs are designed to be attached securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their infant at night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping surfaces offer.

When selecting a crib for your bedside, you should also consider whether it has additional features that could be beneficial to you. For example, some have the ability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt, but keep in mind that you should utilize this feature with care because it could be dangerous if your child falls out.

Also, you should make sure that your cot or crib is a flat and firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't get caught in folds or gaps in the bedding.

It's a good idea to purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was passed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to losing their shape with time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's often referred to it is attached to the bed to allow you to reach your baby easily at night without having to leave your sleeping space. They can also be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. The majority of cribs have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel closed throughout the night, giving you the comfort and intimacy of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed sharing. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, be sure to speak 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 and modern Scandi design. The crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than the other comfortable cribs that we've tested, but it comes with a handy bag to keep it clean and free of dust in storage.

The instructions are easy to follow and there's a useful toolkit to aid you. It is also easy to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and breathable fabric. It comes with a few extras compared to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for fuss free feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer time before my son gets older". It's also easy to clean and Bedside Crib and Travel Cot feels sturdy and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it an ideal 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.