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 close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.

This crib is a favored by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels to 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.

Safety

Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of suffocation. They can be attached to your bed, so you can reach out and comfort or feed your child in the middle night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from a c section. There are a variety of factors to consider before investing in one.

When choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, be sure that the crib you select meets 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. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November 2020.

The most significant change to the new rules is that bedside co sleeper cot cribs may not have drop-down sides. Most cribs have "half height' walls, which still allow your child to lay on your bed, but offer a more secure barrier because they sink a little beneath your mattress. All of the models in our list meet the new standards which includes 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 correctly anchored. This is particularly 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 that a crib is intended for sleep and should not be used with bedding or accessories such as blankets, toys, pillows, or stuffed animal. Official advice for safe sleep from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should rest in their own bed space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any other type of mattress or soft furnishings.

Comfort

A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close during the night, without having to take the danger that they might be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies up until 6 months of age.

The top models offer excellent breathability, with slats that are wide enough to allow airflow. You can also roll up and down the window or door as you need. It's easy to change your baby's diaper and nurse them or check on their sleep at night. Some models include a swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.

You want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded so it's easy to move around your home or take away with you. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one side is handy to store nappies or baby clothes.

Some bedside crib or cot cribs include a mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure that the mattress is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.

Find a crib that can be adjusted to fit the bed's height. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be very beneficial for you, particularly in the event that you are recovering from a C section.

Certain models have additional features that can be useful like a tummy tilt for reflux, or detachable to make a moses' basket and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rocks, folds down to lie flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to buy separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.

Style

New moms appreciate the convenience of bedside cribs that let them keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and diaper changes without getting out of bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a csection or when recovering from other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.

The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. Be aware of safety features and if you can lift your baby from the crib in order to feed or calm them. Also, check whether the crib is equipped with additional features, like a rocking feature. Also, look at the size and the height of your bed, and ensure that the crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they do have some great features, such as air-tight mesh, see-through sides, reflux incline option and an adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It comes in three colours with elegant oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble, fold and comes with a convenient bag for trips to the grandparents.

Some cribs feature side panels that can be lower during the day, allowing the baby to be held and co-sleep safely, but are raised again at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use at first.

Any bedding you use in a crib bed must be fitted properly and must not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation risks. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However sheets are available that will fit in the majority of retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they are likely to wear out and become worse with age increasing the chance of SIDS.

bedside cot wooden cribs are more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room room or take with you when you go on vacation. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag, so you can easily take them to short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and babies as they let you see your baby at night without the danger of them rolling off your mattress or suffocating. It's important to keep in mind that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby during the first six months - with a separate bed in the same space, to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Depending on the model you select, bedside cribs could feature features that increase their ease of use. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test can swivel and is adjustable in height to make it easier to reach and pick up your child. The model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester reported gave her 'easy access' to hold their baby.

Certain models include extra features such as a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings that help with reflux. These are helpful for children with a condition which triggers reflux, however your newborn should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.

Think about how easy it is be to clean the model. Check whether the fabric can be machine washed and if it has a mattress protector with waterproof properties, which will protect from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs for bedside co sleeper cot use a fitted sheet, which makes it easier to change it and wash it.

Other factors to consider include how easy it is to build and how compact when folded away. Make sure it is easy to attach and if there's bags included to carry it on the road. Additionally, take note of whether it has extras like a tummy tilt or the possibility of turning it into a moses basket for older babies - this can be useful for travelling.