Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close for an easy nighttime feeding, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the perfect choice. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love the fact that this crib swivels 360deg to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by at night without the risk of suffocation or overheating. They can be attached to your bed, which means you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of the night. They're also great for mums recovering after a c section. There are many things to consider before investing in one.
When shopping for a bedside crib, make sure you're looking at one that meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled because they allow babies to fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest 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 drop down. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to lie beside your bed, but provide a more protective barrier since they are a bit below your mattress. All of the models on our list meet the new standards, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also worth checking that the crib you're considering is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is anchored correctly. This is especially important if you plan to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, 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 remember, too, that a crib is intended for sleep and is not meant to be used with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animal. The official safe sleep guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only sleep in their own sleeping space in their crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other type of mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child close at night, without the danger that they might be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and babies up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have slats which are wide and wide enough to allow for air flow. You can also move the window or door as you need. This makes it simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them or check on them throughout the night. Some models also include an swaddle bag to assist you sleep in a safe routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded making it easy to move around your home or take away with you. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on the other side can be useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress, while others need to purchase separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed for your specific model and is supple, flat and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height so that it matches the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib with an adjustable height will give you a better chances of getting in and out of bed with ease particularly in the early weeks when you're still healing.
Certain models have additional features that are useful for parents, like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detach to make a moses' basket and later toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage, or comes with bags. It's also worth determining the price and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to purchase separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New moms are enthralled by the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to monitor baby during night feeds and nappy changes without getting out of the bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a csection or when recovering from other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
Choosing the best bedside crib for you depends on your preferences and lifestyle. Be aware of safety features and whether you are able to lift your baby from the crib in order to feed them or soothe them. Also, make sure to check if the crib has any additional features, like rocking capabilities. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that any crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, but they still have excellent features, including air-tight mesh, see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and has smart oak legs, so it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold, and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be removed in the daytime to allow the baby to be held and co-sleep safely, but are raised again at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home testers had difficulty getting it to use at first.
bedside cot crib put in a crib bed must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation hazards. A majority of cribs come with mattresses. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which can be worn down and become deteriorated over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or to take along on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag so that you can transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and newborns because they allow you to see your baby at night without the risk of them falling off your mattress or suffocating. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend that you only sleep with them for the first 6 months with an additional mattress in the same room to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you choose, the bedside crib may come with features that make it more convenient. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test can swivel and is adjustable in height to make it easier for you reach in and pick up your child. The model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester described as giving an easy access to comfort their baby.
Some models come with extras such as a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy), or incline settings that help with reflux. These are useful in the event that your child suffers from a condition that can cause reflux, however, your newborn should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Think about how easy it is be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric is machine washable and if there's a mattress protector with waterproof properties that protects you from leaky nappies, baby sick or dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet that makes it easier for you to change it and wash it.
Other factors to consider include how easy it is to assemble and how compact when folded away. Check if it's simple to attach to your bed and whether it comes with a bag for travel. Check if the product comes with extras such as a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when traveling.