Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A bedside crib co sleeper is a fantastic option for parents who want their baby close to you for a relaxed evening feeding. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.

This crib is a popular choice among home testers because it can be adjusted to suit the bed's height, and it swivels to 360 degrees for easy access. It is easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.

Safety

Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close during the night without risk of being suffocated. They are attached to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your baby during the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from the c-section. But there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.

When looking for a crib to place beside your bed, be sure that the crib you select is safe and meets the current standards for safety. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of 2020.

The most significant change in the new rules is that bedside cribs may no longer have completely drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to lie next to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier because they sink a little beneath your mattress. All of the models we have listed meet these 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 important to ensure that the crib you're considering purchasing is able to attach securely to your bed and is anchored correctly. This is particularly important if you intend 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 crucial to remember, too, that a crib is only meant for sleeping, and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other items like pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animal. Official safe sleep advice 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 any other mattress or soft furnishings.

Comfort

A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child in close proximity throughout the night, without the risk that they may be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the chance of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and babies as young as 6 months old.

The best models have slats that are wide and open enough to allow air circulation. You can also roll up and down the window or door as you need. It is easy to change your baby's diaper or nurse them, or examine them at the end of the night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.

It should be small and light in its fold so that it is easy to carry around the house. It should also be easy to clean, with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on one end is handy to store nappies and baby clothes.

Some cribs with a bedside cosleeper include the mattress, while other require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure the mattress is firm, flat, and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.

Choose a crib that has an adjustable height so that it's in line with the size of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height can give you a greater chance of getting in and out of bed easily especially in the initial days of healing.

Some models come with useful features, like the tummy-tilt feature for reflux or a detachable moses' basket that can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Other features to consider include whether the crib rocks and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth determining the price and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to buy separate sheets for your baby's crib.

Style

New mums are enthralled by the convenience of bedside crib travel cot cribs, which allow them to keep an eye on baby during night feeds and nappy changes without getting out of bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition such as colic or reflux.

Choosing the right bedside crib for you depends on your requirements and your lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be able to lift your baby out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it comes with any additional features, such as the ability to rock. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to make sure that the crib you select can be comfortably.

Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, but they still have amazing features, like air-tight mesh, see-through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. Our favourite 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 fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to fold and assemble and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.

Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you hold your baby during the day and for a safer co-sleeping environment, but then appear again at the 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 operate initially.

Any bedding you use in a crib bed should be a good fit and not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation dangers. This is why a lot of cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they are likely to wear out and degrade with time, increasing the risk of SIDS.

Bedside cribs are also much lighter and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier 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 the carry bag, meaning you can easily bring them along for short trips.

Convenience

bedside crib that turns into cot cribs allow you to look at your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. However, 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 baby for the first six months with a separate bed in the same room to reduce the chance of SIDS.

Depending on the model that you pick, bedside cribs can feature features that increase their convenience. For instance one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts its height to make it easy to reach inside and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall that dips down, which an MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to soothe their infant.

Certain models come with additional features, such as the ability to rock (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby has a condition that causes reflux. However, be aware that your baby bedside co sleeper should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.

Think about how easy it is be to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and has a waterproof protector that can protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.

Think about the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Make sure it's simple to attach to your bed, Bedside Crib Co Sleeper and if it has a bag to use for travelling. Take note of additional features like a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when traveling.