Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close to you for an easy nighttime feeding, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the ideal choice. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love that this crib rotates 360deg for easy access. It also features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close during the night without the risk of being suffocated. They are attached to the sides of your bed so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your infant in the middle of the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from a 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 one that meets current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were recalled due to the risk of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November of 2020.
The new rules prohibit cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, many models come with half-height walls that allow your baby to lie next to your bed but offer a more secure barrier by sinking a bit lower than your mattress. All of our models meet the new requirements. 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 that the crib you're considering is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is secured correctly. This is especially 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 for the Mother&Baby awards.
It is important to keep in mind that a crib is designed for sleeping and is not meant to be used with bedding or accessories such as toys, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines that state that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type or soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child in close proximity throughout the night, without the risk that they may be shared with another baby. This can increase the chance of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach over and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies up until 6 months old.
cot bedside offer good breathability and slats that are open and wide enough to allow air flow. They also have an opening or window that you can roll up or down depending on the need. It is easy to change your baby's diaper and nurse them or examine them at night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be small and light when folded, so that it is easy to carry around the house. It should also be easy to clean, with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. The pocket at the other end can be used to store extra nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include a mattress, while others require you to purchase one separately. Ensure that the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to fit the height of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib with an adjustable height gives you a greater chance of getting into and out of bed quickly, especially during the early weeks when you're still healing.
Some models come with useful extras, like the tummy-tilt feature 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 and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. Check the price and see what bedding comes with the crib. It is often necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic option for new mums. They allow mothers to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from a C-section or other medical condition like colic or reflux.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and requirements. Take into consideration the safety features and whether you can lift your baby from the crib in order to feed or soothe them. Also, consider if the crib has any extras, like rocking capabilities. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that any crib you select can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be cheaper than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're still loaded with amazing features, including air-tight mesh and transparent sides, reflux incline options and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and has smart oak legs, which means it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold up, and comes with a handy bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lower during the day to allow you to hold your baby and co-sleep safely, but are raised again at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
You must ensure that the bedding you use for a crib next to a bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other openings, which could cause the suffocation. This is the reason that many cribs come with a fitted mattress, but sheets that are suitable for use at a variety of retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they will wear out and become worse with age, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to move from room rooms, or to take on trips on. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag, so you can easily take them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and babies as they let you see your baby at night without the fear of them falling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. However, it's important to note that official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby for the first six months - with an additional bed in the same room, to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick the bedside crib could have features that make it more practical. For instance one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy to reach inside and take your baby. The sidewall of this model which dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this gave her have a'simple access" to help their child.
Some models come with extras like a rocking function (great for fussy babies) or incline settings that help with reflux. These may be handy to use if your baby is suffering from an illness that causes reflux, but keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a fabric, consider the ease to clean. Check if the fabric is machine washable and comes with a waterproof protector to keep away leaky nappies and dribbles. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet, which makes it easier for you to change and wash it.
Other features to consider include the ease with which it can put together and how compact when folded away. Check if the bed is easy to put together and if it comes with an included bag for travel. Lastly, consider if it has additional features like a tummy tilt or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older children - this is a great option for traveling.