Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for an easy nighttime feeding, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the perfect choice. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They follow official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
bedside crib and cot is a popular choice among home testers since it is adjustable to match the bed's height, and it swivels all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
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 night. They're also great for mums recovering after an c-section. There's plenty to consider before you purchase one.
When you're looking for a crib that is bedside, ensure you're buying one that meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Make sure the crib you are considering meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November 2020.
The biggest change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs can no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature half-height walls, which still allow your baby to lay next to your bed but offer a more secure barrier by sinking slightly lower than your mattress. All of our models meet these new requirements. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Award 2017
It's also worth checking that the crib you're looking at is able to attach securely to your bed and is attached correctly. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper like 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 also important to remember that a crib is intended for sleeping and should never be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories like blankets, pillows toys or toys for stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should only sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child close throughout the night, without the risk that they may be sharing a crib with another infant. This can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to comfort your baby without having to get out of bed in the middle night. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your new baby and babies up until 6 months old.
The best models feature good breathability, with slats that are open and wide enough to let air flow. You can also move the window or door according to your needs. This makes it simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on them throughout the night. Some models include 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 house. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one side can be useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm, and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height so that it is in line with the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be a great help to you, especially when you are recovering from a C Section.
Some models include useful extras, like an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses' basket that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib is rocking and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to buy separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New mothers love the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that allow them to monitor baby during night feedings and nappy changes without getting out of bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from c-section or other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Consider the safety features and whether you are able to lift your baby from the crib in order to feed them or calm them. Also, consider if the crib has any extras, such as a rocking feature. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically cheaper than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're packed with amazing features, including air-tight mesh and transparent sides, as well as reflux incline options and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with elegant oak legs that fit into any bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered during the day to allow you to touch your baby and sleep safely, but are raised again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, though 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 should not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation hazards. This is why a lot of cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most stores. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they will wear out and degrade with time and increase the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room or to take along on holidays. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit into the carry bag, so that you can easily take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and newborns as they let you see your baby at night without the fear of them rolling off your mattress or getting suffocated. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six months with a separate mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you pick, bedside cribs can include features that enhance their convenience. For instance one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts its height to make it easy to reach in and pick up your child. cheap bedside cot has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to comfort their baby.
Certain models include extra features such as a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby suffers from a condition that causes reflux, but keep in mind that your baby must rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a model be aware of the ease to keep clean. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed and if it has a mattress protector with waterproof properties, which will protect from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Check if it's simple to attach to your bed and whether it comes with a bag for travelling. Also, think about if it has additional features like tilting your tummy or the option to turn it into moses baskets for older babies - this can be useful for travelling.