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 bedside crib co-sleeper is the perfect choice. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home test subjects love that this crib rotates 360deg for easy access. It also comes with an adjustable mattress to fit your bed. It folds up easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep your baby close throughout the night without putting them at risk of overheating or suffocating. They can be attached to the side of your bed so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child in the middle of the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from the c-section. There's plenty to consider before you invest in one.
When looking for a crib to put next to your bed, make sure that the crib you pick is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A lot of cribs older than that were recalled because they let children fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Check that your chosen model meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of this year.
The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs will no longer have completely drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to lay next to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier because they sink a little below the mattress. All of the models in our list meet the new standards, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering purchasing is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is attached correctly. This is especially crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system like the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother and Baby Awards.
It is crucial to remember that a crib is intended for sleep and should not be used with bedding or other accessories like pillows, blankets, toys 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 will allow you to keep your child safe throughout the night, without the danger that they might be shared with another baby. This could increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach out and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models come with slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow for air flow. They also come with a door and/or window that can be folded up or down depending on the need. It's easy to change your baby's diaper or nurse them, or monitor them at night. Some models include a swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
It should be small and light when folded so that it is easy to carry around the home. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one end is handy for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress and others you must purchase separately. Make sure that the mattress is firm, flat, and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it matches the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height can be very beneficial to you, especially if you are recovering from a C-section.
Some models come with useful extras, such as the tummy-tilt feature to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket that can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage, or comes with a bag. Check the price and see what bedding is included with the crib. It is often necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for new mums. They allow them to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without getting out of bed. They also help babies settle after a csection or in the aftermath of other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. Take into travel cot bedside crib and if you are able to remove your baby from the crib in order to feed or soothe them. Also, consider whether the crib is equipped with 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 more affordable than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you - they're still packed with great features like air-tight mesh and transparent 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 colors and has smart oak legs, which means it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also simple to put together, fold and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to let you touch your baby during the daytime and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience However, they will appear again at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use initially.
Any bedding you use in a bedside crib should be a good fit and should not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation risks. That's why many cribs come with mattresses that are fitted, but you can find suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. It is a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they may be worn out and become deteriorated over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to move from room to space, or take on trips on. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit in the carry bag, so that you can take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without worrying about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. But, it's important to remember that the official guidelines for safe sleep 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.
Depending on which model you pick the bedside crib could come with features that make it more practical. For instance, one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy to reach into the crib and take your baby. The model comes with a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this gave her 'easy access" to comfort their child.
Certain models come with additional features like the ability to rock (useful for fussy babies) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These are helpful in the event that your child suffers from a condition which can cause reflux, however, your baby should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a model, consider the ease to keep clean. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable and if it has a waterproof protector that can guard against leaky nappies or drips. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet that allows you to change and wash it.
Other things to consider are the ease with which it can assemble and how compact it is when folded away. Check if it's easy to connect to your bed and whether it has a bag to use for travel. Additionally, take note of whether it comes with extras such as tilting the tummy or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older babies - this could be helpful for travel.