Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A bedside crib co sleeper is a great option if you want your baby to be close for a peaceful nighttime feeding. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.

Home test subjects love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access and comes with an adjustable mattress to match your bed. It folds up easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.

Safety

Bedside cribs are a great way to keep baby close by during the night without risking overheating or suffocating. They attach to the side of your bed so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child during the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. However, there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.

If you are searching for an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, be sure that the crib you select is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A number of cribs from the past were recalled because they allow babies to fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of 2020.

The new rules prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to lay beside your bed, but offer a more secure barrier because they sink a little below your mattress. All of the models on our list comply with these new requirements and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.

It's also important to ensure that the crib you're looking at is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is anchored properly. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, such as the free-standing Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby awards.

It's important to keep in mind that a crib is only intended for sleep and is not meant to be used with bedding or other items like blankets, toys, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep advice that states that babies should sleep only in their cribs or cots and not on an adult's bed, or any other kind of soft furniture.

Comfort

A bedside co sleeper crib allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the risk of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies up until 6 months old.

The top models offer good breathability and slats that are open and wide enough to allow airflow. You can also move the window or door as you need. It's easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on their sleep at the end of the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can help you create a safe sleeping routine.

It should be small and light when folded, so that it is easy to carry around the home. It must also be easy to clean, and come with a a removable and washable mattress cover. A pocket on one side is handy to store nappies or baby clothes.

Some cribs for bedside use a mattress, while others must purchase separately. Be sure the mattress is firm, flat, and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they increase the risk of SIDS.

Find a crib that has an adjustable height so that it is in line with the height of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering from a C-section, a bedside cots for newborns crib with an adjustable height will give you a better chances of getting in and out of bed easily especially in the initial days of recovering.

Certain models come with additional features that are useful, such as tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detach to make a moses' basket and later a toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat for storage, or comes with bags. It's also worth checking how much the model costs and the bedding included - it's often necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.

Style

Bedside cribs are a fantastic alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They let them monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without having to get out of the bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a c-section or after recovering from other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.

The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and requirements. Take into consideration the safety features and whether you will be able take your baby out of the crib to feed them or calm them. Also, consider whether the crib is equipped with additional features, like rocking capabilities. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that any crib you select can be comfortably.

bedside cot bed cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, however they still have amazing features, like the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, incline options for reflux and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and comes with stylish oak legs, which means it's perfect for your bedroom. Plus, it's easy to fold and assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to the grandparents.

Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to let you touch your baby during the daytime and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience, but then come back up at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, although one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to operate initially.

The bedding you put in a bedside crib should be a good fit and must not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation dangers. That's why many cribs come with a fitted mattress, but sheets that are suitable for use at a variety of retailers. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which are prone to wear and become deteriorated over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.

Bedside cribs are also lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room to rooms, or to take when you go on vacation. The most effective bedside crib vs cot cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, meaning you can easily bring them along for short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs allow you to look at your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or suffocating. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first 6 months, with an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.

Depending on which model you pick the bedside crib could come with features that make it more convenient. For example, one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach into the crib and pick up your child. The model also has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester said gave her "easy access" to hold their baby.

Some models come with extras like a rocking function (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings that help with reflux. These are beneficial in the event that your child suffers from an illness that can cause reflux, however, your infant should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.

Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Make sure the fabric can be washed by machine and if it has a mattress protector with waterproof properties that protects you from leaky nappies, infant sick or spills. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.

Other features to consider include the ease with which it can build and how compact when folded away. Consider whether it is simple to attach to your bed and if it comes with a bag for travel. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when travelling.