Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A bedside crib co sleeper is a great choice if you want your baby close by for fuss-free nighttime feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.

This crib is a favored among home testers since it is adjustable to match the bed's height, and it swivels a full 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.

Safety

bedside cot sale cribs allow you to keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of suffering from suffocation. They attach to your bed, so you can reach out to soothe or feed your child in the middle night. They're also great for mums recovering after having a c-section. There's plenty to think about before you invest in one.

When you're looking for a bedside crib make sure you're looking at an item that is in line with current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalled due to the risk of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Make sure the crib you are considering meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November 2020.

The biggest change in the new rules is that bedside cribs can not be made with completely drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to lay next to your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier because they sink a little below your mattress. All of the models we have listed 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 Awards 2017

It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is anchored correctly. This is especially 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&Baby Awards.

It is also important to remember that the crib is intended to sleep and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories like pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep advice that states that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on a bed for an adult, or any other kind of soft furniture.

Comfort

A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close at night without the threat of bed-sharing, which could increase the risk of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get up. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, convenient and comfortable for your infant baby and babies up until 6 months of age.

The best models have slats which are wide and open enough to allow airflow. They also have a door and/or window that you can roll up or down depending on the need. This makes it easier to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or monitor Bedside Crib co sleeper them throughout the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can help you create a safe sleeping routine.

It should be small and light when folded so that it is easy to carry around the home. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one end is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.

Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress, while others must purchase separately. Make sure that the mattress is firm, flat and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they increase the risk of SIDS.

Look for a crib with an adjustable height so that it is in line with the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering from C-sections A bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a better chance of getting into and out of bed with ease especially in the initial weeks of healing.

Some models have extra features that are useful, such as tilting the tummy for reflux, or the ability to detach to make a moses' basket and later toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat to store, or comes with bags. Look at the cost and find out what bedding comes with the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's cot for bedside at bedside.

Style

New mothers are enthralled by the convenience of cribs that are placed at newborn bedside cot, which allow them to keep an eye on baby during night feeds and diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from a C-section or any other medical issue like reflux or colic.

The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and requirements. In addition to the obvious safety features, consider whether you'd like to be able to lift your child out of the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it comes with additional features like a rocking function. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that any crib you choose will fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs tend to be cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're packed with fantastic features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, reflux incline options and adjustable height. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect sleeper. It's available in three colors with stylish oak legs that make it a great fit for any bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to fold and assemble and comes with a handy travel cot bedside 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 safer co-sleeping However, they will pop up again at 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 at first.

The bedding you choose to use in a crib for bed must fit properly and should not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation hazards. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that fit in most retailers. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they can be worn down and deteriorate over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.

Bedside cribs also are much lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to transport from room to space, or take when you go on trips on. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit in bags so that you can take them on short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the bed or suffocating. But, it's important to note that official safe sleep guidance 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 room, to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Depending on the model you pick, wooden bedside cot cribs can feature features that increase their convenience. For example, Bedside Crib Co Sleeper one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height so it's easy to reach inside and pick up your little one. This model also has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester described as giving an easy access to hold their infant.

Some models come with extras such as a rocking feature (great for fussy babies) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are helpful if your child has a condition that can cause reflux, however, your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.

When selecting a fabric, consider how easy it is to keep clean. Check if the fabric is machine washable and comes with a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet, which makes it easier for you to change it and wash it.

Other features to consider include how easy it is to assemble and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure it is easy to attach and if there's a bag included to travel with. Check if the product comes with additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the capability to transform it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when travelling.