Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A bedside crib co sleeper is a great choice when you want your baby close by for fuss-free evening feeding. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They adhere to the strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.

Home testers love the fact that this crib rotates 360deg for easy access and features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.

Safety

Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without fear of suffering from suffocation. They attach to the sides of your bed so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your baby in the middle of the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. There are a variety of factors to consider prior to purchasing one.

If you are looking for a crib to place beside your bed, ensure that the crib you select conforms to current safety standards. Many older cribs were removed due to the risk of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of 2020.

The new rules prohibit cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, many models come with half-height walls, which still allow your baby to lie next to your bed but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than your mattress. All of the models we have listed comply with these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.

It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is secured 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 and Baby Awards.

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

Comfort

A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child in close proximity during the night, without having to take the possibility that they could be shared with another baby. This could increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and infants up to 6 months old.

The best models have slats which are wide and open enough to allow for airflow. You can also roll up and down the window or door as you need. This makes it simple to change your baby's diapers, nurse him or monitor them throughout the night. Some models also come with a swaddle sack to help you to have a secure sleep routine.

You'll want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded, making it easy to move around the house or transport to your destination. It is also easy to clean, with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on the other side can be useful to store nappies or baby clothes.

Some cribs with a bedside include the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is designed for your specific model and is flat, firm and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.

Find the right crib that can be adjusted to match the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be very beneficial to you, especially if you are recovering from a C Section.

Some models have extra features that could be beneficial like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detach to make a moses' basket, and later a toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage, or comes with a bag. Look at the cost and find out what bedding is included in the crib. It is often necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.

Style

New mothers appreciate the convenience of wooden bedside cot cribs that let them monitor baby during feedings at night and nappy changes without getting out of bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from a C-section or other medical condition like reflux or colic.

Choosing the best bedside cot crib crib for you depends on your needs and your lifestyle. Take into consideration the safety features and if you will be able remove your baby from the crib in order to feed them or calm them. Also, check whether the crib is equipped with extras, such as a rocking feature. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that any crib you select will fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're still loaded with great features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and features stylish oak legs, which means it will fit right into your bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to assemble and fold and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to the grandparents.

Some cribs come with side panels that can be lower during the day to allow you to hold your baby and sleep in a safe manner and then raised at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, though one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to operate initially.

You should make sure that the bedding you choose for a crib beside a bed is properly fitted. There should not be gaps or other gaps, which could cause suffocation. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which can be worn down and deteriorate over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.

bedside crib travel cribs are also lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to move from room to rooms, or to take when you go on trips on. The best bedside co sleeper cot cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag so that you can take them on short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs are ideal for new babies and parents as they let you see your baby at night without the danger of them falling off your mattress or suffocating. But, it's important to note that official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby during the first six months with an additional bed in the same room to lower the chance of SIDS.

Depending on the model that you select, bedside cribs could feature features that increase their ease of use. For example one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height, making it easy for you to reach inside and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester reported gave an easy access to hold their infant.

Some models include additional features like the ability to rock (useful for fussy babies) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby suffers from a condition that causes reflux but be aware that your baby should sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.

Consider how easy it is be to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable, and if it comes with a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.

Other things to consider are the ease with which it can build and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure it is easy to put together and if it comes with a bag included to carry it on the road. Check if the product comes with additional features like 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 traveling.