Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A bedside crib co sleeper is a great choice when you want your baby to be close for a peaceful evening feeding. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.

This crib is a favorite by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels to 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.

Safety

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

If you are choosing a crib to put next to your bed, ensure that the crib you pick meets current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be introduced in November 2020.

The new regulations prohibit bedside cribs from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, most models feature half-height walls that allow your baby to lay next to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier by sinking slightly lower than your mattress. All of the models on our list comply with these new requirements, including 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 looking at is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is attached correctly. This is especially crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper, like the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&baby bedside crib awards.

It's important to remember, too, that a crib is meant for sleeping, and is not meant to be used with bedding or other items like toys, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals. Official advice for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only rest in their own bed space, in their own crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishings.

Comfort

A crib for your bed lets you keep your baby close by at night without the risk of bed-sharing, which can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to comfort your baby without getting out of bed during the middle of the night. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, convenient, and comfortable for your new baby and infants up to 6 months of age.

The most effective models have good airflow and slats that are open and wide enough to allow airflow. They also come with an opening or window that can be folded up or down as needed. It is simple to change your baby's diaper and nurse them or examine them at the end of the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.

You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded, making it easy to move around your home or transport to your destination. It should also be easy to clean, with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. The pocket at one end can be used to store spare baby clothes and nappies.

Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, while others have to buy separately. Make sure the mattress is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid using second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.

Find the right crib that can be adjusted to the height of your bed. A bedside crib and cot crib that is adjustable in height could be very beneficial to you, especially in the event that you are recovering from a C-section.

Some models have extra features that are useful like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detach to transform into a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rock or folds down to lay flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. Find out the price and what bedding is included in the crib. It is usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot bed.

Style

Bedside cribs are an excellent option for mothers who are new. They allow mothers to monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without having to get out of their bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition such as colic or reflux.

Choosing the right bedside crib is contingent on your needs and lifestyle. Be aware of safety features and whether you are able to take your baby out of the crib to feed or calm them. Also, check whether the crib is equipped with extras, such as rocking features. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs tend to be more affordable than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're still loaded with great features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, reflux incline options and adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and comes with stylish oak legs, which means it's sure to fit in your bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to the grandparents.

Some cribs have side panels that can be lower during the day, allowing the baby to be held and sleep safely and then raised at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.

The bedding you choose to use in a bedside crib to cot crib must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation hazards. This is the reason that many cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can become worn out and become worse with age and increase the risk of SIDS.

Bedside cribs are lighter and bedside crib co sleeper more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or take with you during holidays. The best bedside cot for newborn bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, to allow you to take them on short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs are great for parents and newborns because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the risk of them rolling off your mattress or suffocating. However, it's important to keep in mind that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby during the first six months with an additional bed in the same room, to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Depending on the model you pick, bedside cribs can include features that enhance their ease of use. For instance one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height so it's easy to reach in and take your baby. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this provided her with 'easy access" to soothe their child.

Certain models include extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings that help with reflux. These are helpful if your child has a condition which triggers reflux, however your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.

When selecting a fabric, consider the ease to clean. Check if the fabric is machine washable and if it has a waterproof protector that can guard against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.

Take into consideration the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Check if it is easy to attach and if there's an included bag to travel with. Lastly, consider if it has extras like tilting your tummy or the option of turning it into moses baskets for older children - this could be helpful for travel.