Bedside crib and travel cot (http://www.stes.tyc.Edu.tw)

Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that fixes to the bed's side. They usually have a single side that can be put down for easy reach and some even have an incline setting that's perfect for babies who have reflux.

MFM tester Georgina said that this crib was simple to put together and the directions were very clear. It was a fast construction. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to put together

Bedside cribs are generally easy to put together, and are on the smaller side, so they can be easily tucked away beside your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more portable. Georgina, one of our MFM home test participants, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to construct with clear instructions and simple zips." The crib can also function as a travel cot bedside crib cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around moving. It comes with multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height means it will fit any mattress.

Some bedside cribs feature an additional side panel that can be removed to let you easily reach your baby without getting out of the bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be with their baby throughout the night, but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).

The majority of models have built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be extremely comforting for your baby and aids in falling asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which is useful if your baby has reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a health professional or a GP should be consulted prior to trying this position.

Many bedside cribs come with a canopy to shield your baby from noise or light. This can help to calm your baby down. Some cribs come with a storage area underneath which is ideal for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.

Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling factor for families with children. MFM's 2021 Mother and Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go is a prime example. It has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt that make it suitable for travel. It also has five different height adjustments to fit your bed, and was praised by our MFM home testers for being easy to build, comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as a pack and play) is a different favorite and was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and comfortable

You can keep an eye on your child from the comfort of your bed with the bedside crib. It's a great choice for mothers who are recovering from a C-section since you can easily lift your baby towards you to feed them at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of your bed. And the most cozy cribs have breathable mesh sides you can see your newborn through.

Some cribs allow you to 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). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you lift baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.

The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards 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 your bed can be accommodated). The large design has an opening side panel, a perforated bottom with a patented design that provides air cushioning to improve air flow. Plus, there's an integrated setting for reflux and a 360 swivel so you can rotate the crib to fit the position of your baby.

If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that will fit in with 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 for bedside that folds flat before slipping into a convenient 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 easy to connect to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to put together however she was disappointed that the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

If you're looking at bedside crib vs cot cribs and travel cots, look for ones that come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will help keep it clean from spills, nappies, sick babies and drips. It's an excellent idea to select a model that is easily disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access all the corners and crevices to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising.

This is crucial, as it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been eliminated. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slide down or become trapped.

In addition to being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and fits well with your own bed. This is especially crucial when you're using a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily reach their baby throughout the night to feed or comfort their child while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas.

Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any additional features you might find useful. For example, some have the capability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt - but keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution, as it can be dangerous if your baby is thrown out.

It is also important to make sure that your crib or travel cot is a flat and firm mattress that is able to fit snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's a good idea purchase a brand new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than using one that was passed down or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must be compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces more stringent requirements to ensure the safety of your sleep and provide effective solutions.

Multi-faceted

The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes referred to it is attached to the bed so that you can access your baby easily at night without leaving your sleeping area. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. They usually have a side panel that can be moved down so you can feel and see your baby. Some have the option to keep the panel in place all night, which gives you the comfort and intimacy of co-sleeping with your newborn however it reduces the risk of bed-sharing. Some cribs will also convert into a travel cot or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP regarding this) or changing into an older baby cot or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just because of its sleek design in Scandi. This crib comes with six height settings, as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also bulkier and heavier than other travel-friendly cribs we've tested and comes with a handy 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 fabric. It has a few more extras than some of the other cribs for bed we've tested including an anti-reflux incline, a rocking function and a storage pocket.

Jasmin says this is a great crib because it's "easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss, and larger than most Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son grows out of it". It's also easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, which makes it a great option for those who have small space. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry bag that you can carry around when traveling. A perfect all-rounder.