Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A bedside crib co sleeper is a great choice if you want your baby close to you for a relaxed evening feeding. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.

This crib is a popular choice among home testers because it can be adjusted to fit your bed's height and rotates to 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.

Safety

Bedside cribs are a great option to keep baby close by during the night without risking overheating or suffocating. They attach to your bed so that you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from a c section. There are a lot of things to think about before purchasing one.

If you're shopping for a bedside crib, ensure you're buying a model that complies with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalls due to the danger 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 rules forbid cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to sleep on your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier because they sink a little below your mattress. All of the models we have listed are in compliance with these new standards. 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 important to ensure that the crib you're looking at is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is attached properly. 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 in the Mother&Baby awards.

It is crucial to remember, too, that a crib is only designed for sleeping and is not meant to be used with bedding or other items like toys, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines which state that babies should sleep only in their cribs or cots and not on an adult's bed, or any other type or soft furniture.

Comfort

A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close at night without the threat of bed-sharing, which can increase the likelihood of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without getting out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, easy to use and comfortable for your infant baby and infants up to 6 months old.

The most effective models have slats which are wide and wide enough to allow air flow. They also feature an opening or window that can be folded up or down depending on the need. This makes it simple to nurse, change your baby or monitor them throughout the night. Some models include a swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.

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

Some bedside cribs come with a mattress and others you must purchase separately. Make sure the mattress is firm, flat and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand bedside Crib co sleeper as they can increase the risk of SIDS.

Find the right crib that can be adjusted to fit the height of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-sections A bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a greater chance of getting into and out of bed quickly especially in the initial weeks of healing.

Certain models have additional features that could be beneficial, such as a tummy tilt for reflux, or the ability to detach to transform into a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib is rocking, folds down to lie flat for storage, or comes with a travel cot bedside bag. Look at the cost and find out what bedding is included in the crib. It is often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside crib that turns into cot.

Style

Bedside cribs are a great option for mothers who are new. They let them monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition such as colic or reflux.

The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and requirements. Consider the safety features and if you will be able lift your baby from the crib to feed or soothe them. Also, consider if the crib has any additional features, like a rocking feature. Also, take a look at the dimensions and the height of your bed, and check that any crib you pick can be comfortably.

Bedside cribs tend to be cheaper than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled - they're still packed with great features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, as well as reflux incline options and an adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with elegant oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.

Some cribs have side panels that slide down to let you hold your baby during the daytime and for safer co-sleeping However, they will appear again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, but one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to operate initially.

You must ensure that the bedding used for a crib next to a bedside travel crib is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings, that could lead to the suffocation. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they are likely to wear out and deteriorate with time, increasing the risk of SIDS.

Bedside cribs are lighter and more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room or carry during holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag to allow you to transport them on short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs are great for parents and babies as they let you see your baby at night without the fear of them falling off your mattress or getting suffocated. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first 6 months with an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.

Based on the model you select, bedside cribs could have features that add to their convenience. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted 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 said gave her "easy access" to hold their baby.

Some models include additional features, such as a rocking feature (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are helpful in the event that your child suffers from a condition that can cause reflux, however, your baby bedside co sleeper should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.

When selecting a model, consider how easy it is to keep clean. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable, and if it comes with a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs have 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. Be sure to check if the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with bags included to travel with. Also, think about if it has extras like a tummy tilt or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older children - this can be useful for travelling.