Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A bedside crib co sleeper is a great choice for parents who want their baby to be close for a peaceful evening feeding. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.

Home testers love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees to make it easy to access and has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It folds up easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.

Safety

Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close at night without the risk of suffering from suffocation. They attach to the side of your bed, so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child during the night, and they're suitable for mothers who are recovering from an op. There's plenty to consider before you purchase one.

When you're looking for a crib that is bedside, ensure you're buying a model that complies with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were removed due to the risk of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Check that the crib you pick is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be launched in November 2020.

The most significant change to the new regulations is that bedside cribs may no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, the majority of models have 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lay close to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier by sinking slightly lower than your mattress. All of the models we have listed meet the new standards, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.

Check that the crib is securely affixed to your bed and that it is correctly anchored. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping 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 important to remember, too, that a crib is only intended for sleep and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other accessories like toys, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals. Official advice for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only sleep in their own sleep space in their crib or cot and Bedside Crib Co Sleeper not on an adult bed or other type of mattress or soft furnishings.

Comfort

A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close at night, without the risk that they may be shared with another baby. This could increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies up to 6 months old.

The best bedside cots models feature excellent breathability and slats that are wide enough and open enough to allow airflow. They also come with an opening or window that can be rolled up or down as needed. This makes it easier to nurse, change your baby or check on them during the night. Some models also come with an swaddle bag to assist you with a safe sleep routine.

It should be compact and light when folded so that it is easy to carry around the home. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one end can be useful to store nappies or baby clothes.

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

Look for a crib with an adjustable height so that it matches the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering C-sections, a bedside travel cot crib with an adjustable height will give you a better chance of getting into and out of bed with ease particularly in the early weeks of healing.

Certain models come with additional features that can be useful for parents, like tilting the tummy for reflux, or detach to make a moses' basket and later toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib rocks, folds down to lie flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.

Style

Bedside cribs are a fantastic option for new mums. They let them keep an eye on their baby 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 other medical conditions like reflux or colic.

The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and requirements. Apart from the obvious safety features, consider whether you want to be able to get your child from the crib to feed them or soothe them, and if it has additional features like a rocking function. Also, look at the dimensions and height of your bed and make sure that the crib you choose will fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, but they have amazing features, like breathable mesh and see through sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with stylish 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 visit the grandparents.

Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to let you hold your baby during the daytime and for safer co sleeper bedside cot-sleeping, but then appear again at the 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.

Any bedding you use in a bedside crib must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation dangers. A majority of cribs come with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they are likely to wear out and degrade with time and increase the risk of SIDS.

bedside cot crib cribs are also much lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room to room or to take along when you go on vacation. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags, so you can easily take them along for short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs allow you to look at your baby without having to worry about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend that you only sleep with them for the first 6 months with an additional mattress in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Based on the model you choose, bedside cot co sleeper cribs may have features that add to their convenience. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test can swivel and can be adjusted in the height to make it easier to reach and pick your child up. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which an MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to comfort their infant.

Some models come with extras like a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy), or incline settings to help with reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux but be aware that your baby should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.

When choosing a model, consider how easy it is to clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.

Other factors to consider include how easy it is to put together and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure it's easy to attach to your bed, and if it has a bag to use to take it with you on your travels. Lastly, consider if it has extras like tilting your tummy or the possibility of turning it into a moses basket for older children. This is a great option for traveling.