Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A bedside crib co sleeper is a great choice for parents who want their baby close by for fuss-free nighttime feeding. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.

This crib is a favored by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to fit the bed's height, and it swivels all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It folds up easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.

Safety

bedside baby sleeper cribs are a great way to keep your baby close during the night without risking suffocation or overheating. They attach to your bed, which means you can reach out to help or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mums recovering after a c section. There are a variety of factors to consider before investing in one.

When shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're looking at one that meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Make sure the crib you are considering is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of 2020.

The most significant change to the new regulations is that bedside crib and cot cribs will not be made with completely drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature half-height walls that allow your baby to lie close to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a little lower than the mattress. All of the models on our list comply with these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.

Verify that the crib is securely affixed to your bed, and that it is properly fixed. This is especially crucial if you intend to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, like the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the move 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 only designed for sleeping and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other items like blankets, toys, pillows or stuffed animals. The official safe sleep guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should sleep in their own sleep space, in their own crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other type of mattress or soft furnishings.

Comfort

A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close by at night without the threat of bed-sharing which can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without having to get out of bed in the middle night. It's a safe, practical 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 wide enough to allow air flow. You can also move the window or door depending on your needs. It is easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on their sleep at night. Some models also come with an swaddle bag to assist you sleep in a safe routine.

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

Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, while others have to buy separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed for your specific model and is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they can increase the risk of SIDS.

Find the right crib that can be adjusted to match the height of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be a great help to you, especially in the event that you recovering from a C Section.

Some models come with useful features, like an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses' basket which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Other things to consider are whether the crib is rocking or folds down to lay flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth determining the cost of the crib and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to purchase separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.

Style

bedside co sleeper cot cribs are an excellent alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow mothers to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes, without getting out of bed. They also help babies settle after a c-section or after recovering from other medical conditions, such as colic or reflux.

The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and requirements. In addition to the obvious safety features, consider whether you want to be able to lift your baby out of the crib to feed them or calm them, and if it has any extras such as the ability to rock. Examine the height and size of your bed to make sure that the crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they have excellent features, including air-tight mesh, see-through sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and comes with stylish oak legs, so it's perfect for your bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold up, and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparent's.

Some cribs have side panels that lower down to allow you to touch your baby during the day and for safer co-sleeping, but then pop up again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, but one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use at first.

You must make sure that the bedding you use for a crib beside a bed is properly fitted. There should not be gaps or other gaps, which could cause the suffocation. A majority of cribs come with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that are suitable for most stores. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they are prone to wear and deteriorate over time, potentially 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 take with you when you go on vacation. The best bedside cots cribs are compact enough to fit into bags, so you can easily bring them along for short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and babies as they let you see your baby at night without the fear of them falling off your mattress or suffocating. But, it's important to note that 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 an additional bed in the same space, to lower the risk of SIDS.

Depending on the model that you pick, bedside cribs can feature features that increase their ease of use. For instance, one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy to reach in and pick up your little one. This model also has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester said gave an easy access to comfort their baby.

Some models have additional extras like the ability to rock (useful 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 sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.

Consider how easy it is be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washed and if it comes with a waterproof mattress protector that will shield you from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.

Take into consideration the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Check if it is easy to attach and if there's an included bag to carry it on the road. Lastly, consider if it has extras like a tummy tilt or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older children. This can be useful for travelling.