Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great option when you want your baby to be close for a peaceful evening feeding. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love the fact that this crib swivels 360deg to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by throughout the night without putting them at risk of overheating or suffocating. They are attached to the sides of your bed so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your infant during the night, and they're suitable for mothers who are recovering from the c-section. But there's a lot to think about before you invest in one.
When you're looking for a bedside crib, make sure you're looking at a model that complies with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled due to the fact that they allow babies to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they could pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new rules is that bedside cribs may no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lie next to your bed but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than your mattress. All models on our list are in compliance with these new standards. 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 purchasing is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is secured correctly. This is particularly important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper such as the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a crib is meant for sleeping, and is not meant to be used with bedding or other accessories like blankets, toys, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep advice that states that infants should sleep in their crib or cot and not on an adult's bed, or any other type of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close at night without the threat of bed-sharing, which can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed in the middle night. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical and comfortable for your new baby and babies until 6 months of age.
The most effective models have slats that are wide and wide enough to allow for air flow. They also come with windows or doors that can be folded up or down when needed. This makes it easy to nurse, change your baby or monitor them throughout the night. Some models also include an swaddle bag to assist you to have a secure sleep routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around your home or to take with you on your travels. It is also easy to clean, with a a removable and washable mattress cover. The pocket on one side can be used to store spare baby clothes and nappies.
Some cribs with a bedside include the mattress, while other 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 mattresses that are second-hand, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to fit the height of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from a C-section A bedside crib that has an adjustable height can give you a greater chances of getting in and out of bed quickly, especially during the early weeks of healing.
Certain models come with useful extras, such as an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket that can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage or comes with bags. bedside cot for twins 's also worth looking into how much the model costs and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to buy separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great option for mothers who are new. They let them monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from c-section or other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Consider the safety features and whether you are able to remove your baby from the crib to feed them or soothe them. Also, consider if the crib has any additional features, like rocking features. Also, consider the dimensions and the height of your bed, and check that any crib you pick can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be more affordable than Moses baskets however don't be deceived - they're still packed with fantastic features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, as well as reflux incline options and an adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with elegant oak legs that fit into any bedroom. Plus, it's easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to 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 However, they will 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 testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.
You must make sure that the bedding used to make a crib bedside is fitted properly. There should not be gaps or other openings, which could cause suffocation. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that are suitable for most stores. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores as they can become worn out and become worse with age, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or take with you when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning you can easily take 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'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 during the first six months - with a separate bed in the same space, to lower the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model you select, bedside cribs could have features that add to their convenience. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test swivels, and is adjustable in height to make it easier for you reach in and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester said gave her 'easy access' to soothe their infant.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings to help with reflux. These are helpful in the event that your child suffers from an illness that triggers reflux, however your baby should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a fabric take into consideration how easy it is to clean. Find out if the fabric can be washed by machine and if it comes with a mattress protector that is waterproof that will shield you from leaky nappies, baby sick or spills. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet, which makes it easier to wash and change it.
Think about the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Check if the bed is easy to attach and if there's a bag included for travel. 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 can be helpful when travelling.