Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A bedside crib co sleeper is a fantastic option if you want your baby to be close for a peaceful nighttime 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 favored among home testers because it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels to 360 degrees for easy access. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.

Safety

Bedside cribs are a great way to keep baby close by at night without the risk of suffocation or overheating. They attach to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child during the night. They're perfect for mothers recovering from a c-section. But there's a lot to consider before purchasing one.

When looking for an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, ensure that the model you choose conforms to current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled because they allow babies to fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure the crib you are considering meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November 2020.

The most significant change in the new rules is that bedside cribs may not be made with completely drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to lie on your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier as they sink below your mattress. All of the models we have listed conform to these new requirements, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.

It's also important to ensure that the crib you're considering is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is secured properly. 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&Baby Awards.

It's also important to remember that the crib should be used only for sleeping and should never be used with any bedding or other accessories, like pillows, blankets, toys or animals that are stuffed. Official advice for safe sleep from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should sleep in their own sleeping space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishings.

Comfort

A bedside cot used crib will allow you to keep your child safe at night, without the danger that they might be shared with other babies. This could increase the risk of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and soothe your baby in the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical, and comfortable for your infant baby and infants up to 6 months of age.

The most effective models have slats that are wide and wide enough to allow air circulation. They also come with an opening or window that you can roll up or down when needed. This makes it easy to nurse, change your baby or monitor them throughout the night. Some models include the swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.

It should be compact and light in its fold so that it is easy to transport around the house. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on the other side can be useful to store nappies or baby clothes.

Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, while others must purchase separately. Be sure the mattress is flat, firm, and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can increase the risk of SIDS.

Find a crib that has an adjustable height so that it matches the height of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering from C-section surgery, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a greater chance of getting in and out of bed with ease particularly in the early days of healing.

Some models have extra features that could be beneficial, such as a tummy tilt for reflux, or detachable to transform into a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib is rocking and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth determining how much the model costs and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to buy separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.

Style

Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They let them monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a csection or when recovering from other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.

The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and requirements. Aside from the obvious safety features, consider whether you want to be able to get your child out of the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it comes with any additional features, such as the ability to rock. Also, take a look at the size and the height of your bed, and check that any crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, however they still have excellent features, including breathable mesh and see through sides, an option for reflux incline and an adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It's available in three colours and comes with stylish oak legs, which means it's perfect for your bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold and comes with a convenient travel cot bedside bag for trips to the grandparents.

Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to let you touch your baby during the daytime and for a safer co-sleeping environment, but then pop up again 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 for the first time.

It is essential to make sure that the bedding you use for a crib next to a bed is properly fitted. There should not be gaps or other openings, which could cause an air suffocation. That's why many cribs have mattresses that are fitted, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most retailers. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they may be worn out and degrade over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.

amazon bedside cot cribs are also much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room to room or to take along during holidays. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit in bags, so you can easily bring them along for short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the bed or suffocating. It is 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 six months, with an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.

Based on the model you pick the bedside crib could come with features that make it more practical. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and is adjustable in the height so that it is easier to reach and pick up your child. The model comes with a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this gave her gain access" to help their child.

Certain models include extra features 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 a condition that causes reflux but remember that your newborn should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.

When selecting a model take into consideration how easy it is to keep clean. Check if the fabric is machine washable, and if it comes with a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.

Consider the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Check if it's simple to attach to your bed, and if it has a bag to use for travel. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as tilting the tummy or the option of turning it into a moses basket for older babies - this is a great option for traveling.