twin bedside cot crib and travel Cot (www.metooo.io)

Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that fixes to the side of your bed. They usually have a single side that can be dropped down to make it easier to reach and some come with an incline that's ideal for reflux babies.

MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the directions were extremely simple. It was a simple construction. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a handy bag for travel.

Easy to assemble

They are compact and easy to set-up, so they can be placed close to your bed. They also tend to be lighter, which makes them more mobile. 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 easy zips." This crib can be used as a travel crib and comes with a convenient bag. It includes multiple mesh openings to allow ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress.

Some bedside rocking crib cribs feature the option of a side panel that can be lowered to let you be able to easily reach your baby without stepping out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums, or those who want to be with their baby all night long but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated to a higher risk of SIDS).

Most models have an integrated rocking feature. This can be extremely soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs feature a reclining position that can be beneficial if your child has reflux or colic. These should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position.

Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming the baby. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing additional blankets, diapers, and clothing for your child.

Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key 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 with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it a versatile travel cot bedside bed. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be set to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised it for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is another popular choice and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfy

A bedside crib lets you to monitor your baby in the peace of your bed. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C section as it is easy to lift your baby towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without getting out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that let you observe your baby's growth.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the current safety standards). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier but then lift it back up after you have lifted baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child falling off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and bedsteads, but requires longer straps (check your specs to make sure that your bed can accommodate). The spacious design features an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting as well as a 360 swivel that allows you to turn the crib to accommodate the baby's position.

If you are seeking something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs and a range of fabric options that match your decor. It's also 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's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.

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

Easy to clean

Find cribs with removable mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, baby sick and drips. It's an excellent idea to choose one that is easily removed and partially dismantled so you can get into all the nooks and crannies for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.

This is important, as it's the best way to be sure that all dirt and germs have been cleared away. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely secured so that your baby cannot slide off or become trapped.

You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially crucial if you're using a bedside cot used crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed and allow parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring separate sleeping areas.

When choosing a crib for your bedroom it is important to consider whether it comes with extra features that could be beneficial to you. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who tend to be fussy.

You'll want to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that fits comfortably into the frame. This will decrease the risk of SIDS because your baby's feet and head won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than relying on one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that have been used are more susceptible to losing their shape with time which increases 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.

Versatile

A wooden bedside cot crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes referred to) is attached to your bed to allow you to easily reach your baby at night without having to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib during the day. They usually include a side panel that can be adjusted to lower, so that you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like rocking, tilting, or converting into a larger baby cot.

The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek and modern Scandi design. It comes with six height adjustments, as well as a handy storage shelf. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with an attractive bag that keeps it dust-free and clean when it's stored.

It's easy to set up, with clear instructions and a handy toolkit to help you. It's also easy to clean with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few features than other cribs we've used, such as an anti-reflux incline, rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last for a longer period of time before my son grows out". She also loves the ease of clean and that it is sturdy and well-made. It can be positioned on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those who have limited space. It also comes with a handy bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.