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 close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. These co-sleepers are 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.

Home testers love the fact that this crib swivels 360deg to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It folds up easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.

Safety

Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close to you at night without risk of being suffocated. They are attached to your bed, which means you can reach out to comfort or feed your child in the middle night. They're also great for mums recovering after a c section. There's plenty to think about before purchasing one.

When shopping for a bedside crib, make sure you're looking at a model that complies with current safety standards. Many older cribs 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 or entrapment. Make sure the crib you pick is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be in place in November 2020.

The most significant change to the new rules is that bedside cribs may not be made with completely drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to sleep next to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier because they sink a little below 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 that the crib you're considering is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is attached properly. This is particularly important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper like the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.

It's also important to keep in mind that a crib is intended for sleeping purposes and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets, toys, or animals that are stuffed. Official advice for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only sleep in their own sleep space in their crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or any other type of mattress or soft furnishings.

Comfort

A 4-in-1 bedside crib crib lets you keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the likelihood of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and comfort your baby bedside sleeper during the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies up to 6 months old.

The best models have slats which are wide and spacious enough to allow air circulation. They also feature a door and/or window that can be rolled up or down as needed. This makes it simple to nurse, change your baby, or check on them during the night. Some models also come with a swaddle sack to help you sleep in a safe routine.

It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to carry around the home. It is also easy to clean, with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. The pocket at one end can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.

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

Look for a crib with an adjustable height that it matches the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height can be extremely beneficial to you, particularly when you are recovering from a C section.

Certain models have additional features that could be beneficial like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detachable to make a moses' basket and later toddler playpen. 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 not uncommon 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 monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes without getting out of bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a csection or after recovering from other medical conditions like colic or reflux.

The best bedside baby sleeper crib depends on your lifestyle and needs. Aside from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be able to lift your baby out of the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it includes any additional features, such as rocking functions. Also, take a look at the dimensions and the height of your bed, and check that any crib you select will fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs are typically more affordable than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're packed with amazing features, including the breathable mesh and clear sides, as well as reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with elegant oak legs that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. Plus, it's easy to fold and assemble and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.

Some cribs have side panels that can be lowered during the day to allow you to hold your baby and co-sleep safely however, they are raised at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use for the first time.

The bedding you put in a bedside crib must fit properly and should not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation risks. That's why many cribs come with an adjustable mattress, however you can find suitable sheets at most stores. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they are likely to wear out and become worse with age and increase the chance of SIDS.

Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to move from room to room, or to take when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags so that you can easily take them on short journeys.

Convenience

Bedside cribs let you see your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to keep in mind that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your child for the first six months with an additional bed in the same space, to lower the risk of SIDS.

Depending on which model you pick the crib that you choose for your bed could include features that make it more practical. For instance, one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach inside and take your baby. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this gave her have a'simple access" to soothe their child.

Some models include additional features like the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are useful if your child has a condition that can cause reflux, however, your baby should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.

Think about how easy it is to clean the model. Check whether 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 spills. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make 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 easy to attach to your bed and whether it has a bag to use for travel. Lastly, consider if it has additional features like a tummy tilt or the option of turning it into a moses basket for older children - this can be useful for travelling.