Is a bedside crib co sleeper (on the main page) Right For Your Baby?

A bedside crib co sleeper bedside cot sleeper is a fantastic option for parents who want their baby to be close for a peaceful evening feeding. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.

This crib is a popular choice by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to fit 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 bag for travel cot bedside crib.

Safety

Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without risk of suffocation. They can be attached to your bed, which means you can reach out and soothe or feed your child during the middle of night. They're also great for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. However, there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.

When you're looking for a bedside crib make sure you're looking at an item that is in line with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November 2020.

The new regulations prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, most models feature half-height walls that allow your baby to lie next to your bed but provide a more protective barrier by sinking slightly lower than the mattress. All of the models in our list meet the new standards and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.

It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is secured properly. This is particularly important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system, such as 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 keep in mind that a crib should only be used for sleeping and should never be used in conjunction with bedding or other accessories, such as pillows, blankets toys or toys for stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type or soft furnishings.

Comfort

A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and soothe your baby during the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, convenient, and comfortable for your new baby and babies up until 6 months old.

The most effective models have excellent breathability and slats that are wide enough to allow airflow. They also have windows or doors that you can roll up or down depending on the need. This makes it easier to change your baby's diaper, nurse them or check on them during the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.

It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the home. It is also easy to clean, with a removable and washable mattress cover. A pocket on the other side is useful to store nappies or baby clothes.

Some cribs for bedside use a mattress, while others require you to purchase one separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed specifically for your model and is firm, flat and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they could increase the risk of SIDS.

Find a crib that has an adjustable height that it is in line with the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be very beneficial to you, particularly when you recovering from a C section.

Certain models have additional features that could be beneficial for parents, like tilting the tummy for reflux, or detachable to make a moses' basket and later a toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, can be folded flat to store, or comes with bags. Check the price and see what bedding comes with the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's cot for bedside bed.

Style

New moms love the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to monitor baby during night feedings and nappy changes without having to get out of the bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after c-section, or when recovering from other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.

Choosing the best bedside crib for you depends on your preferences and your lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, think about whether you'd like to be able to lift your child from the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it includes additional features like rocking functions. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're packed with fantastic features like air-tight mesh and transparent sides, incline options for reflux and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with elegant oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also simple to put together, fold and comes with a convenient bag for trips to the grandparents.

Some cribs have side panels that slide down to allow you to touch your baby during the day and for a safer co-sleeping environment However, they will pop up again at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use initially.

You must make sure that the bedding you use to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There should not be gaps or other openings which could lead to suffocation. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they are likely to wear out and become worse with age and increase the chance of SIDS.

Bedside cribs are lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room to room or take with you on holidays. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags, so you can easily bring them to short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs allow you to see your baby without having to worry about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six month, with an additional mattress in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.

The model you pick, the bedside crib may include features that make it more comfortable. For instance one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height, making it easy for you to reach into the crib and pick up your child. The model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to comfort their baby.

Some models have extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy), or incline settings that help with reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux but keep in mind that your baby bedside sleeper must sleep on a flat and firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.

Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.

Other features to consider include how easy it is to put together and how compact when folded away. Make sure the bed is easy to attach and if there's bags included to travel with. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful for those who travel.