Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A bedside crib co sleeper is a great choice for parents who want their baby to be close for a peaceful evening feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They are based on the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.

This crib is a favorite among home testers since it can be adjusted to fit your bed height and swivels to 360 degrees for easy access. It folds up easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.

Safety

bedside cosleeper cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of being suffocated. They can be attached to your bed, so you can reach out to soothe or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from an c-section. There's plenty to consider before you invest in one.

When searching for a crib to place beside 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 allow babies to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November 2020.

The new regulations prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to sleep on your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier since they are a bit below the mattress. All of the models we have listed comply with these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.

It's also worth checking that the crib you're considering purchasing is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is attached properly. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system, such as the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother&baby bedside sleeper Awards.

It is also important to remember that the crib should only be used for sleeping purposes 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 that state that babies should sleep only in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other kind of soft furnishings.

Comfort

A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child close throughout the night, without the possibility that they could be shared with another baby. This could increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and soothe your baby in the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies up to 6 months old.

The best models have slats that are wide and open enough to allow air circulation. They also come with an opening or window that you can roll up or down as needed. It is simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on them at the end of the night. Some models also come with a swaddle sack to help you sleep in a safe routine.

It should be small and light when folded, so that it is easy to carry around the home. It should also be easy to clean, and come with a a removable and washable mattress cover. The pocket at the other end can be used to store spare diapers and baby clothes.

Some cribs for bedside crib vs cot use mattresses, while others need to purchase separately. Make sure that the mattress is firm, flat, and breathable. Avoid using second-hand mattresses, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.

Find a crib that can be adjusted to match the bed's height. Particularly if you're recovering from C-section surgery, a bedside crib with an adjustable height will give you a better chance of getting into and out of bed with ease, especially during the early weeks of healing.

Some models include useful extras, like the tummy-tilt feature to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses' basket which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Other things to consider are whether the crib rock or folds down to lay flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth checking how much the model costs and the bedding included - it's usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your baby bedside co sleeper's bedside crib.

Style

Bedside cribs are a great option for new mums. They let them monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a c-section or after recovering from other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.

The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and requirements. In addition to the obvious safety features, consider whether you'd like to be capable of lifting your child from the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it includes additional features like a rocking function. Also, consider the dimensions and the height of your bed, and check that any crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, but they have excellent features, including air-tight mesh, see-through sides, reflux incline option and adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect sleeper. It comes in three colors and has smart oak legs, which means it's perfect for your bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to visit the grandparents.

Some cribs have side panels that lower down to allow you to touch your baby during the day, and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience, but then 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 use initially.

Any bedding you use in a crib for bed must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation risks. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses, which can be worn down and deteriorate over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.

Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or take with you when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning they are easy to take to short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs are ideal for new babies and parents because they allow you to see your baby at night without the fear of them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend that you only sleep with them for the first 6 months and then have an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the risk of SIDS.

Depending on which model you choose, the bedside crib may have features that make it more practical. One of the best bedside cot for newborn cribs in our MFM home test can swivel and is adjustable in the height so that it is easier to reach and pick your child up. The model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester reported gave her 'easy access' to hold their infant.

Some models have extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy), or incline settings that help with reflux. These may be handy to use if your baby is suffering from a condition that causes reflux, but keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.

Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Check if the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.

Think about the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Consider whether it is easy to connect to your bed and whether it comes with a bag to take it with you on your travels. Check if the product comes with additional features like a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature for those who travel.