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 to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They adhere to the strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.

This crib is a favored among home testers since it can be adjusted to fit the bed's height, and it swivels a full 360 degrees for easy access. It folds up easily and comes with a bag for travel cot bedside for trips away from home.

Safety

Bedside cribs are a great option to keep your baby close at night without the risk of suffocation or overheating. They can be attached to your bed, which means you can reach out and soothe or feed your child in the middle night. They're also great for mums recovering after an c-section. However, there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.

When choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, be sure that the crib you pick is safe and meets the current standards for safety. Many older cribs were recalled because they permit children to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November 2020.

The new regulations prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Most cribs have "half height walls that allow your child to sleep beside your bed, but also offer a more secure protection as they sink below your mattress. All of the models we have listed meet the new standards, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.

It's also worth checking that the crib you're considering purchasing is able to attach securely to your bed and is attached correctly. This is particularly important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper, such as the free-standing Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby awards.

It's important to remember that a crib is only meant for sleeping, and is not meant to be used with bedding or other items like toys, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep advice that states that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on an adult's bed, or any other kind of soft furniture.

Comfort

A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing which can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without getting out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and infants up to 6 months old.

The most effective models have slats that are wide and wide enough to allow air circulation. They also have a door and/or window that can be rolled up or down depending on the need. It's easy to change your baby's diaper and nurse them or examine their sleep at the end of the night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.

It should be small and light in its fold so that it is easy to transport around the home. It is also easy to clean, and come with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on one side is handy for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.

Some bedside cribs come with mattresses, while others must purchase separately. Make sure the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is supple, flat and airy. Avoid using second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.

Find a crib that is adjusted to match the bed's height. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height can be extremely beneficial to you, especially in the event that you are recovering from a C Section.

Certain models come with additional features that can be useful like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detach to become 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. Check the price and see what bedding is included in the crib. It is often necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's cot bed.

Style

Bedside cribs are a great option for new mums. They let them monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of the bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after c-section, or after recovering from other medical conditions like colic or reflux.

The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and needs. Take into consideration the safety features and if you will be able take your baby out of the crib to feed them or soothe them. Also, make sure to check if the crib has any additional features, like a rocking feature. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that the crib you select can be comfortably.

bedside sleeper cot cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, however they do have some amazing features, like the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and a height that can be adjusted. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs to make it a great fit for any bedroom. Plus, it's easy to assemble and fold and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.

Some cribs feature side panels that can be removed during the day, allowing the baby to be held and sleep safely, but are raised again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, but one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to operate initially.

The bedding you put in a crib for bed must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation dangers. A majority of cribs come with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they are likely to wear out and degrade with time and increase the chance of SIDS.

Bedside cribs are also much lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room to room or to take along when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags so that you can take them on short journeys.

Convenience

bedside cot 6 months plus cribs allow you to see your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or suffocating. It's important to note that official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your child for the first six months with a separate bed in the same room, to lower the chance of SIDS.

The model you choose the crib that you choose for your bed could include features that make it more convenient. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test can swivel and can be adjusted in the height so that it is easier for you reach in and pick your child up. The sidewall of this model that dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this allowed her to gain access" to help their child.

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 are useful in the event that your child suffers from a condition that causes reflux, but your newborn should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.

Think about how easy it is be to clean the model. Check whether the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a mattress protector that is waterproof that will shield you from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet that makes it easier for you to wash and change it.

Other factors to consider include the ease with which it can put together and how compact when folded away. Check if it's easy to connect to your bed and if it has a bag to use to take it with you on your travels. Lastly, consider if it has extras like tilting your tummy or the option to turn it into moses baskets for older babies - this can be useful for travelling.