Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a fantastic option when you want your baby to be close for a peaceful nighttime feeding. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They adhere to the the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favorite by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to suit your bed's height and rotates all 360 degrees for easy access. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close at night without fear of suffering from suffocation. They attach to the side of your bed, so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your child in the middle of the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from the c-section. However, there's a lot to think about before purchasing one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib, make sure you're choosing an item that is in line with current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalled because they permit children to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs may not have drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to sleep close to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier by sinking a bit lower than your mattress. All of the models we have listed comply with these new requirements, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Make sure that the crib is securely affixed to your bed, and that it is securely fixed. 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 and Baby Awards.
It's also important to remember that a crib should be used only for sleeping purposes and should not be used with bedding or accessories, like pillows, blankets toys or animals that are stuffed. Official advice for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should sleep in their own sleeping space, in their own crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib for your bed lets you keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach out to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies as young as 6 months old.
The best models have slats that are wide and wide enough to allow airflow. You can also roll up and down the window or door depending on your needs. It is easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or examine their sleep at the end of the night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
You'll want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded so it's easy to move around the house or take away with you. It should also be easy to clean, with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. The pocket at the other end can be used to store extra baby clothes and nappies.
Some bedside cribs come with mattresses, while others need to purchase separately. Ensure that the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is firm, flat and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering C-section surgery, a bedside crib with an adjustable height gives you a better chance of getting in and out of bed easily particularly in the early weeks of healing.
Some models include useful extras, like an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or a detachable moses bin that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage or comes with a bag. It's also worth looking into the price and the bedding included - it's often necessary to buy separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow them to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without having to get out of the bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from c-section or other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and requirements. In addition to the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you'd like to be capable of lifting your baby out of the crib to feed them or calm them and if it includes any extras such as rocking functions. Also, look at the dimensions and height of your bed and make sure that the crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, however they do have some great features, such as the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and a height that can be adjusted. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs to be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also easy to fold and assemble and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you hold your baby during the daytime and for a safer co-sleeping environment, but then pop up again at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.
It is essential to ensure that the bedding you use for a crib beside a bed is properly fitted. There should not be gaps or other openings which could cause an air suffocation. Most cribs are equipped with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses, which can be worn down and deteriorate over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to move from room to space, or take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag so that you can take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and newborns because they allow you to see your baby at night without the risk of them falling off your mattress or getting suffocated. It's 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 six months, with an additional mattress in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model you choose, bedside cribs may include features that enhance their ease of use. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test swivels, and can be adjusted in the height so that it is easier for you reach in and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester described as giving her "easy access" to comfort their infant.
Some models have additional extras for example, a rocking feature (useful for fussy babies) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These may be handy to use if your baby is suffering from a condition that causes reflux, but keep in mind that your baby must rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a model take into consideration how easy it is to clean. Make sure the fabric can be washed by machine and if it comes with a mattress protector with waterproof properties that protects you from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. newborn bedside cot have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Think about the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Make sure the bed is simple to attach and if there's bags included for travel. Take note of additional features like a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when traveling.