Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

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

Home testers love that this crib swivels 360deg for easy access. It also features an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It is also easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel bedside crib.

Safety

Bedside cribs are a great option to keep baby close by at night without the risk of suffocation or overheating. They attach to your bed, so you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of night. They're also great for mothers recovering from a c section. However, there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.

If you are searching for a crib to place beside your bed, be sure that the model you choose meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Be sure that the crib you pick is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which will be launched in November 2020.

The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cot crib cribs can not have drop-down sides. Most cribs have "half height walls that allow your child to sleep beside your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier since they are a bit below the mattress. All of the models on our list meet the new standards and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted in 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 properly. This is especially 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 and Baby Awards.

It is important to remember, too, that a crib is only designed for sleeping and should not be used with bedding or other accessories like blankets, toys, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should sleep in their crib or cot and not on an adult's bed, or any other type or soft furniture.

Comfort

A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close at night, without the danger that they might be shared with other babies. This could increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed in the middle night. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, easy to use and comfortable for your infant baby and infants up to 6 months of age.

The top models offer excellent breathability with slats wide enough and open enough to let air flow. They also have an opening or window that can be folded up or down as needed. This makes it simple to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or check on them throughout the night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.

You want a model that is light and compact when folded, making it easy to move around your home or transport to your destination. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store spare diapers and baby clothes.

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

Find the right crib that can be adjusted to match the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering C-sections, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height can give you a better chances of getting in and out of bed with ease especially in the initial weeks when you're still healing.

Some models include useful features, like an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Other features to consider include whether the crib rock or folds down to lay flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth checking the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.

Style

Bedside cribs are an excellent option for mothers who are new. They allow them to keep an eye on their baby bedside crib during the night and during diaper changes, without getting out of bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from a C-section or any other medical issue like colic or reflux.

Choosing the best bedside cot bedside crib for you depends on your requirements and your lifestyle. In addition to the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be capable of lifting your child from the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it comes with any extras such as the ability to rock. Check the height and size of your bed to make sure that the crib you choose can be comfortably.

Bedside cribs are generally cheaper than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're still loaded with fantastic features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, reflux incline options and adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with elegant oak legs that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.

Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to allow you to touch your baby during the day and for safer co-sleeping, but then come back up 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 use initially.

The bedding you choose to use in a bedside crib must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation risks. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. It's a good idea avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they are prone to wear and degrade over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.

Bedside cribs also are much smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to move from room to room, or to take when you go on trips on. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning you can easily bring them with you on short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs are ideal for new babies and parents because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the risk of them rolling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six month with a separate mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.

Depending on the model you select, bedside cribs could include features that enhance their convenience. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test swivels, and can be adjusted in height to make it easier to reach and pick your child up. This model also has a sidewall that dips down, which an MFM home tester reported gave her 'easy access' to comfort their infant.

Some models include additional features, such as a rocking function (useful for babies who are fussy) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux, but keep in mind that your baby must rest on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.

Think about how easy it is to clean the model. Make sure the fabric can be washed by machine and if it has a mattress protector that is waterproof that protects you from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet, which makes it easier for you to change and wash it.

Think about the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Check if the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with a bag included to carry it on the road. Take note of extras such as a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when travelling.