Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A bedside crib co sleeper is a great option if you want your baby close by for fuss-free evening feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They are based on official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.

This crib is a favorite among home testers because it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels to 360 degrees to make it easy to access. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.

Safety

bedside cot bed cribs are a great way to keep baby close by during the night without risking suffocation or overheating. They are attached to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your baby in the middle of the night, and they're perfect for mothers recovering from a c-section. However, there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.

When shopping for a bedside crib make sure you're looking at one that meets current safety standards. Many older cribs have been recalled because they allow babies to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure the crib you are considering meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of 2020.

The biggest change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs can no longer have completely drop-down sides. Most cribs have "half height walls that allow your child to sleep beside your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier since they are a bit beneath your mattress. All models on our list meet the new requirements. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Award 2017

It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering purchasing is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is anchored properly. This is especially important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system like the 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 remember that a crib is meant for sleeping, and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other accessories like blankets, toys, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep advice that states that babies should sleep only in their cribs or cots and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other kind of soft furniture.

Comfort

A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child in close proximity at night, without the risk that they may be shared with other babies. This can increase the risk of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your new baby and infants up to 6 months of age.

The best models have slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow air circulation. They also feature an opening or window that you can roll up or down as needed. It's easy to change your baby's diaper and nurse them or monitor their sleep at night. Some models also come with the swaddle sack, which can help you to have a secure sleep routine.

You'll want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around your home or take away with you. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store spare baby clothes and nappies.

Some cribs for bedside use the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Ensure that the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is flat, firm and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they can increase the risk of SIDS.

Find a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it is in line with the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib with an adjustable height gives you a better chances of getting in and out of bed with ease particularly in the early days of healing.

Certain models come with additional features that are useful, such as a tummy tilt for reflux, or detachable to make a moses' basket, and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rocks and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth checking the cost of the crib and the bedding included - it's often necessary to purchase additional sheets for your baby's crib.

Style

New moms love the convenience of bedside cribs that allow them to monitor their baby during night feedings and nappy changes without having to get out of bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from a c-section or other medical conditions like reflux or colic.

Choosing the right bedside crib for you depends on your requirements and lifestyle. Be aware of safety features and whether you are able to lift your baby from the crib to feed them or calm them. Also, check whether the crib is equipped with extras, such as a rocking feature. Also, consider the size and the height of your bed, and make sure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.

wooden bedside cot cribs are typically cheaper than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled - they're still packed with amazing features, including breathable mesh and see-through sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. 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 and has smart oak legs, which means it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also easy to fold and assemble, and comes with a handy bag for trips to visit the grandparents.

Some cribs have side panels that can be lower during the day to allow you to touch your baby and sleep safely, but are raised again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, although one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use initially.

Any bedding you use in a crib bed must be fitted properly and must not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation hazards. A majority of cribs come with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that are suitable for most stores. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they will wear out and degrade with time increasing the chance of SIDS.

Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to transport from room to room, or to take on vacation. The best bedside cot crib cribs are small enough to fit into bags to allow you to transport them on short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without worrying about them rolling off the bed or suffocating. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six months with an additional mattress in the same room to reduce the chance of SIDS.

Based on the model you select, bedside cribs could include features that enhance their ease of use. For example, one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach in and pick up your little one. The sidewall of this model that dips down. One MFM home tester said that this provided her with 'easy access" to soothe their child.

Certain models come with additional features like a rocking function (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are helpful if your child has an illness that triggers reflux, however your infant should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.

When selecting a model take into consideration how easy it will be to keep clean. Check if the fabric is machine washable, and if it comes with a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to change it and wash it.

Consider the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Make sure it's easy to connect to your bed, and if it comes with a bag to take it with you on your travels. Also, think about if it has additional features like a tummy tilt or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older children. This is a great option for traveling.