Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for fuss-free feeding at night, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the perfect choice. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love the fact that this crib swivels 360deg for easy access. It also has an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without risk of being suffocated. They are attached to the side of your bed so 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. But there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.
If you're shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're looking at a model that complies with current safety standards. Many older cribs were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Make sure the crib you are considering is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of 2020.
The most significant change to the new regulations is that bedside cribs may no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, many models come with half-height walls, which still allow your baby to lie close to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a little lower than your mattress. All models on our list are in compliance with these new standards. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Make sure that the crib is securely affixed to your bed and that it is correctly secured. This is particularly important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper, such as the free-standing Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It is also important to remember that the crib should be used only to sleep and should not be used with any bedding or accessories like pillows, blankets, toys, or animals that are stuffed. The official safe sleep guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should sleep in their own sleep 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 allows you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of bed-sharing which can increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, convenient, and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies until 6 months of age.
The best models have slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow for airflow. You can also move the window or door depending on your needs. It is simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or examine them at night. Some models include the swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
You want a model that is light and compact when folded making it easy to move around the house or transport to your destination. It should also be easy to clean, with a a removable and washable mattress cover. A pocket on the other side is handy to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with a mattress and others you have to buy separately. Be sure the mattress is flat, firm, and airy. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to match the bed's height. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be very beneficial for you, particularly in the event that you are recovering from a C section.
Certain models come with additional features that could be beneficial, such as tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detach to make a moses' basket, and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib is rocking, folds down to lie flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. Look at the cost and find out what bedding comes with the crib. It is usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
New mothers are enthralled by the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside, which allow them to keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after c-section, or after recovering from other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
The best crib for you depends on your preferences and your lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, think about whether you'd like to be capable of lifting your child out of the crib to feed them or soothe them, and if it has additional features like the ability to rock. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that the crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, but they still have great features, such as breathable mesh and see through sides, reflux incline option and an adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and has smart oak legs, so it's perfect for your bedroom. It's also simple to put together, fold and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to let you hold your baby during the daytime and for safer co-sleeping, but then appear again at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
The bedding you put in a crib bed should be a good fit and must not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation risks. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However sheets are available that will fit in the majority of retailers. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which may be worn out and become deteriorated over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room to room or take with you on holidays. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit into the carry bag, meaning you can easily bring them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you observe your baby without worrying about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. However, it's important to keep in mind that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your child for the first six months - with a separate bed in the same room, to lower the risk of SIDS.
The model you pick, the bedside crib may include features that make it more practical. For instance one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height, making it easy for you to reach inside and pick up your little one. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester reported gave her 'easy access' to comfort their infant.
bedside cot sale have additional extras for example, a rocking feature (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are helpful if your child has a condition that triggers reflux, however your baby should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a model take into consideration how easy it is to clean. Check if the fabric is machine washable and comes with a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change it.
Other things to consider are the ease with which it can build and how compact when folded away. Check if it is easy to put together and if it comes with a bag included to travel with. Take note of additional features like a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when travelling.