Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for fuss-free feeding at night A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the best option. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They are based on official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home testers love that this crib rotates 360deg to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep baby close by throughout the night without putting them at risk of overheating or suffocating. They are attached to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your infant in the middle of the night. They're perfect for mothers recovering from an op. There are a variety of factors to consider before investing in one.
When shopping for a bedside crib make sure you're choosing a model that complies with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Make sure the crib you are considering meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November 2020.
The most significant change to the new regulations is that bedside cribs can not be made with completely drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to sleep on your bed, but offer a more secure protection because they sink a little below your mattress. All of the models on our list conform to these new requirements and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Check that bedside crib travel cot is securely attached to your bed and that it is correctly anchored. 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 Awards.
It's important to remember that a crib is intended for sleep and is not meant to be used with bedding or other accessories like toys, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should only sleep in their crib or cot and not on an adult's bed, or any other type or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close by at night without the threat of bed-sharing, which could 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 needing to get up. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and babies as young as 6 months old.
The most effective models have slats which are wide and spacious enough to allow for air flow. They also come with a door and/or window that you can roll up or down when needed. This makes it easier to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or check on them throughout the night. Some models also include the swaddle sack, which can help you with a safe sleep routine.
It should be small and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the house. It should also be easy to clean, with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on the other side can be useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress and others you must purchase separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it's in line with the size of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be a great help to you, especially when you recovering from a C-section.
Some models have extra 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. Consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat to store, or comes with a bag. It's also worth checking how much the model costs and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to purchase separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
New moms appreciate the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to keep an eye on baby during night feeds and diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a c-section or after recovering from other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.
Choosing the right bedside crib is contingent on your requirements and lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, think about whether you'd like to be capable of lifting your baby out of the crib to feed them or calm them and if it includes additional features like the ability to rock. Also, look at the dimensions and height of your bed and make sure that the crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, but they have excellent features, including breathable mesh and see through sides, reflux incline option and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs to make it a great fit for any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble, fold and comes with a handy bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be removed during the day, allowing you to touch your baby and sleep in a safe manner and then raised at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home testers had difficulty getting it to use at first.
It is essential to make sure that the bedding used to make a crib bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings which could cause an air suffocation. A majority of cribs come with a mattress. However sheets are available that will fit in the majority of retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they are likely to wear out and degrade with time, increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room to room, or to take on trips on. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag, so they are easy to take to short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to look at your baby without worrying about them rolling off the bed or suffocating. 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 baby for the first six months - with a separate bed in the same space, to lower the risk of SIDS.
Depending on which model you pick the bedside crib could come with features that make it more practical. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test can swivel and can be adjusted in height to make it easier for you reach in and pick up your child. This model has a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this allowed her to 'easy access" to soothe their child.
Some models include additional features like the ability to rock (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These are helpful for children with a condition which causes reflux, but your baby should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting 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 drips. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Consider the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Be sure to check if the bed is easy to attach and if there's bags included to travel with. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when travelling.