Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A bedside crib co sleeper is a great option for parents who want their baby to be close for a peaceful evening feeding. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.

Home testers love the fact that this crib swivels 360deg for easy access and has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.

Safety

Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close to you at night without risk of suffocation. They are attached to your bed, which means you can reach out to help or feed your child during the middle of the night. They're also great for mothers recovering from a c section. There's plenty to consider before you invest in one.

When looking for a crib to place beside your bed, ensure that the crib you pick conforms to current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalled because they let children fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they could pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Check that your chosen model meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of 2020.

The biggest change in the new rules is that bedside cribs can not be made with completely drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to lie on your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier as they sink below the mattress. All of the models we have listed meet these new requirements. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards 2017

It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is attached correctly. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system, such as the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards.

It's also important to remember that the crib is intended for sleeping and should never be used with any bedding or accessories, like blankets, pillows, toys or animals that are stuffed. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other kind of soft furnishings.

Comfort

A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child in close proximity at night, without the danger that they might be shared with another baby. This could increase the risk of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn bedside cot and babies as young as 6 months old.

The most effective models come with slats that are wide and wide enough to allow air flow. They also come with a door and/or window that you can roll up or down as needed. This makes it easy to nurse, change your baby or monitor them throughout the night. Some models also include an swaddle bag to assist you to have a secure sleep routine.

It should be small and light when folded so that it is easy to transport around the home. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra baby clothes and nappies.

Some cribs with a bedside include a mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure the mattress is designed for your specific model and is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they increase the risk of SIDS.

Find a crib that has an adjustable height so that it's in line with the size of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering a C-section, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a better chance of getting in and out of bed quickly particularly in the early days of healing.

Some models include useful features, like an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib is rocking bedside crib, folds down to lie flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth checking the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's usually necessary to purchase additional sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.

Style

bedside crib with changing table cribs are an excellent option for mothers who are new. They allow mothers to monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after c-section, or in the aftermath of other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.

The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and needs. Apart from the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be capable of lifting your child out of the crib to feed them or calm them and if it includes additional features like the ability to rock. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that the crib you select can be comfortably.

Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they have great features, such as air-tight mesh, see-through sides, reflux incline option and a height that can be adjusted. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with stylish oak legs to fit into any bedroom. Plus, it's easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.

Some cribs come with side panels that can be lower during the day to allow you to hold your baby and sleep safely and then raised at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, but one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to operate initially.

It is essential to ensure that the bedding you use for a crib beside a bed is properly fitted. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings, which could cause an air suffocation. This is why a lot of cribs have mattresses that are fitted, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most stores. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses as they can be worn down and deteriorate over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.

bedside cot 6 months plus cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to move from room rooms, or to take when you go on trips on. The best bedside crib to cot cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, to allow you to take them on short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and babies because they allow you to see your baby at night without the danger of them rolling off your mattress or getting suffocated. However, it's important to remember that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby during the first six months - with an additional bed in the same space, to reduce the chance of SIDS.

Based on the model you pick the crib that you choose for your bed could come with features that make it more convenient. For example, one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach into the crib and take your baby. The model comes with a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester stated that this allowed her to 'easy access" to soothe their child.

Some models have extra features such as a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings to help with reflux. These are beneficial if your child has a condition that causes reflux, but your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.

Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Check if the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet that makes it easier for you to wash and change it.

Other factors to consider include the ease with which it can put together and how compact when folded away. Make sure the bed is easy to attach and if there's bags included to travel with. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as tilting the tummy or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older babies - this is a great option for traveling.