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 crib that is positioned at the bedside is the ideal choice. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without fear of suffering from suffocation. They can be attached to the side of your bed so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your infant in the middle of the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. There's plenty to think about before purchasing one.
When shopping for a bedside crib, ensure you're buying a model that complies with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled because they allow babies to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs will no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature half-height walls, which still allow your baby to lie next to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a little lower than the mattress. All of the models on our list comply with these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also worth checking that the crib you're looking at is able to attach securely to your bed and is secured properly. This is particularly 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 in the Mother&Baby awards.
It's also important to remember that a crib is intended for sleeping and should never be used with bedding or other accessories, like pillows, blankets, toys, or animals that are stuffed. cots4tots.co.uk from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only sleep in their own sleep space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other type of mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child safe throughout the night, without the danger that they might be shared with other babies. This can increase the risk of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and soothe your baby in the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models have slats which are wide and wide enough to allow for air flow. You can also move the door or window depending on your needs. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby, nurse them, or examine them at night. Some models also include an swaddle bag to assist you with a safe sleep routine.
It should be small and light in its fold so that it is easy to transport around the house. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on the other side is useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with a mattress and others you have to buy separately. Be sure the mattress is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height can give you a better chance of getting into and out of bed quickly, especially during the early weeks of recovering.
Some models include useful features, like an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Other features to consider include whether the crib rock, folds down to lie flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth determining the price and what bedding is included - it's often necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
New moms love the convenience of bedside cribs that allow them to monitor their baby during night feedings and nappy changes without getting out of bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a csection or in the aftermath of other medical conditions, such as colic or reflux.
The best crib for your child is based on your preferences and your lifestyle. Take into consideration the safety features and if you are able to lift your baby from the crib in order to feed or soothe them. Also, check whether the crib comes with extras, such as rocking features. Also, look at the dimensions and height of your bed and check that any crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they do have some amazing features, like the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs to make it a great fit for any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you touch your baby during the day and for safer co-sleeping However, they will appear again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, although one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.
The bedding you put in a bedside crib must be fitted properly and should not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation hazards. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that are suitable for most stores. It's a good idea avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they can be worn down and deteriorate over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to move from room space, or take when you go on trips on. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags, so you can easily bring them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to see your baby without having to worry about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. But, it's important to note that official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your child for the first six months with an additional bed in the same space, to lower the chance of SIDS.
The model you pick the crib that you choose for your bed could include features that make it more comfortable. For example, one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height so it's easy to reach inside and pick up your child. The model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to comfort their baby.
Some models include additional features, such as a rocking feature (useful for fussy babies) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux. However, be aware that your baby should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it is to clean the model. 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 bedside use a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change it.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Check if it is easy to put together and if it comes with an included bag for travel. Additionally, take note of whether it has additional features like tilting your tummy or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older children. This can be useful for travelling.