bedside crib and travel cot (www.bioguiden.se)

bedside co sleeper cot cribs resemble an infant bassinet, and are attached to the sides of a bed. They often have a single side that can be dropped down for easy reach, and some have an incline that's ideal for babies with reflux.

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

Easy to assemble

Bedside 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 also tend to be lighter, making them more transportable. 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 be used as a portable travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It features multiple mesh windows for breathability and the adjustable height makes it can fit on any mattress.

Some cribs for bedside use a side panel that can be lowered, giving you an easy access to your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who wish to remain close to their baby at night, but don't want to risk co-sleeping.

The majority of models have a built-in rocking function. This can be extremely relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs have a recline position that is beneficial for children suffering from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.

Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some cribs come with an area for storage underneath that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child.

Many bedside cot for twins cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a major selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and tilting tummies that make it versatile enough for travelling. It has five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also known as a Play and Pack Play, is another popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using the bedside crib. It's an excellent option for mothers who are recovering from a C section as you can easily lift your child towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies without getting out of the bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.

Some cribs lower the barrier completely, allowing the option of sleeping together without the associated risks (check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest safety standards though). Some cribs let you keep the barrier down but raise it after you've lifted baby out of the crib, which is better for parents who are afflicted by fears of their baby falling off the end of their mattress.

The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel, a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux as well as an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib to suit the preferred position of your baby.

If you are looking for something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs and a range of fabric options that fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together quickly, without needing to consult any instructions. It is also a great travel cot for bedside. It folds flat and can be popped into a bag.

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 quite compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together, though she felt the instructions could have been clearer about the zips.

Easy to clean

If you're considering travel cots or bedside cribs, look for ones that have a removable mattress cover which can be washed in the machine. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, spills, and leaky diapers. It's an excellent idea to select a model that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies for an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.

This is vital, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured to ensure that your baby doesn't slide off or become trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want a bedside crib that is comfortable for your child and will fit comfortably into your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside co sleeper cot crib that sleeps with your child. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the bed for parents which allows parents to easily access their infant throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.

Another thing to consider when choosing a bedside rocking crib crib is if it comes with extra features you might find useful. For instance, some cribs come with the capability to rock (useful for fussy sleepers) or tilt - but be aware that you should only use this feature with care, as it can be dangerous if your baby falls out.

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

It's a good idea purchase a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was handed down or purchased second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk for SIDS. All cribs that are new have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most current standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib, or co-sleeping mattress as it's sometimes referred to is attached to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping space. They can also be used as a separate crib in the daytime. Most will include a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to put the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while minimizing the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot, or have extra features like tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP regarding this), or turning 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. This one has six height adjustments and a useful storage shelf. It's also a little bit bulkier and heavier than other comfortable cribs that we've tested however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.

It's simple to put together, with clear instructions and an easy-to-use toolkit to assist you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and an storage compartment.

Jasmin says it's a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer until my son is out of it". She also loves that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great choice for those with limited space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag to take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.