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 to be close for a peaceful nighttime feeding. They're 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 favorite among home testers since it is adjustable to match your bed's height and rotates all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.

Safety

Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep your baby close during the night without risking overheating or suffocating. They can be attached to your bed, which means you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from a c section. But there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.

If you're looking for a crib to put next to your bed, be sure that the model you choose is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A lot of cribs older than that were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Be sure that the crib you select is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be introduced in November 2020.

The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs can no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature half-height walls that allow your baby to lay next 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 conform to these new requirements and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.

It's also worth checking that the crib you're considering purchasing is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is anchored correctly. 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 is also important to remember that the crib should only be used to sleep and should not be used with bedding or accessories, such as pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animals. The official safe sleep guidelines from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should rest in their own bed space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any other type of mattress or soft furnishings.

Comfort

A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close throughout the night, without the risk that they may be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach over to comfort your baby without getting out of bed in the middle night. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and babies as young as 6 months old.

The best models feature good breathability with slats wide enough and open enough to allow air flow. You can also move the door or window according to your needs. It's easy to change your baby's diaper and nurse them or check on them at the end of the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can help you create a safe sleeping routine.

You want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around your home or take away with you. It should also be easy to clean, and come with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. The pocket on one side can be used to store spare baby clothes and nappies.

Some cribs with a bedside include mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure the mattress is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they increase the risk of SIDS.

Find the right crib that can be adjusted to match the bed's height. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be extremely beneficial to you, particularly when you are recovering from a C-section.

Certain models come with useful extras, like a 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 rock or folds down to lay flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. Find out the price and what bedding is included in the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's cot bed.

Style

Bedside cribs are a great option for new mums. They allow mothers to monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes without getting out of their bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after c-section, or in the aftermath of other medical conditions like colic or reflux.

The best crib is contingent on your requirements and lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, consider whether you'd like to be able to get your child out of the crib to feed them or calm them, and if it has any extras such as a rocking function. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they do have some excellent features, including air-tight mesh, see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and has smart oak legs, which means it's perfect for your bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold up, and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparent's.

Some cribs feature side panels that can be lowered during the day to allow the baby to be held and sleep in a safe manner, but are raised again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, though one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to use at first.

It is essential to ensure that the bedding you use for a crib next to a bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings which could lead to the suffocation. That's why many cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses, which can be worn down and become deteriorated over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.

Bedside cribs also are much smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room to room, or to take when you go on trips on. The most effective bedside crib travel cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag, so you can easily bring them with you on short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs let you see your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. But, it's important to keep in mind that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby during the first six months with an additional bed in the same room, to lower the risk of SIDS.

Depending on the model that you choose, bedside crib or cot cribs may feature features that increase their ease of use. For example one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height so it's easy to reach into the crib and take your baby. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester reported gave her 'easy access' to hold their infant.

Some models come with extras like a rocking function (great for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are beneficial for children with a condition that causes reflux, but your infant should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.

When selecting a model be aware of the ease to keep clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector that can protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs for wooden bedside cot use a fitted sheet, which makes it easier for you to change it and wash it.

Think about the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Be sure to check if the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with a bag included for travel. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as a tummy tilt or the option of turning it into moses baskets for older children - this could be helpful for travel.