Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close for the night without any fuss A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the best option. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets. bedside crib vs cot are based on official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home test subjects love that this crib swivels 360deg for easy access. It also comes with an adjustable mattress to fit your bed. It is also easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep your baby close during the night without risking overheating or suffocating. They attach to the sides of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your infant in the middle of the night, and they're suitable for mothers who are recovering from a c-section. There's plenty to consider before you invest in one.
If you're shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're looking at an item that is in line with current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalled because they let children slide through 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 new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November of 2020.
The biggest change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs can no longer have completely drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to lie beside your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier since they are a bit below your mattress. All of the models we have listed conform to these new requirements, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Make sure that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is securely secured. This is particularly 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 in the Mother&Baby awards.
It is important 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 animal. Official advice for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only sleep in their own sleeping space in their crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or any other type of mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close by at night without the risk of bed-sharing which can increase the risk of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get up. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical, and comfortable for your infant baby and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models feature excellent breathability with slats open and wide enough to allow air flow. They also come with a door and/or window that you can roll up or down when needed. This makes it easy to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
You want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded making it easy to move around your home or take away with you. It is also easy to clean, and come with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, while others need to purchase separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height so that it is in line with the height of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a better chance of getting into and out of bed with ease especially in the initial weeks when you're still healing.
Certain models come with useful extras, such as an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Check if the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage, or comes with bags. It's also worth checking how much the model costs and the bedding included - it's often necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
New mothers love the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to monitor their baby during feedings at night and changing nappy without getting out of the bed. bedside crib with changing table are also useful for helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition like reflux or colic.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and needs. Aside from the obvious safety features, think about whether you'd like to be able to lift your baby out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it includes any extras such as a rocking function. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to make sure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they still have amazing features, like air-tight mesh, see-through sides, reflux incline option and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both style and practicality into 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, fold and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be lowered during the day to allow the baby to be held and co-sleep safely, but are raised again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, though one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed should be a good fit and should not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation hazards. This is why a lot of cribs come with a fitted mattress, but you can find suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores as they can become worn out and deteriorate with time, increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room room or to take along during holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, meaning they are easy to take along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and newborns because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the risk of them falling off your mattress or getting 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 in a bed with your child for the first six months - with a separate bed in the same space, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
The model you choose, the bedside crib may have features that make it more convenient. For example one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach in and pick up your little one. The model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester reported gave an easy access to hold their infant.
Certain models include extra features such as a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are useful if your child has a condition that causes reflux, but your baby should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
When choosing a model be aware of the ease to clean. Check if the fabric is machine washable and if it has a waterproof protector that can guard against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to build and how compact it is when folded away. Check if it's easy to attach to your bed and whether it comes with a bag for travel. Additionally, take note of whether it comes with extras such as tilting your tummy or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older children - this could be helpful for travel.