Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for the night without any fuss, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the best option. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home test subjects love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access and features an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep baby close by during the night without risking suffocation or overheating. They can be attached to the sides of your bed so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your infant in the middle of the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from the c-section. However, there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.
If you're choosing a crib to put next to your bed, ensure that the crib you pick conforms to current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled because they permit children to fall in 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, which was introduced in November of 2020.
The most significant change to the new regulations is that bedside cribs will not be made with completely drop-down sides. Instead, the majority of models have half-height walls that allow your baby to sleep next to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a little lower than the mattress. All of the models we have listed meet these new requirements. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards 2017
Verify that the crib is securely affixed to your bed, and that it is correctly fixed. This is especially crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper like the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in 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 items like blankets, toys, pillows, or stuffed animal. Official safe sleep advice 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 mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child close during the night, without having to take the possibility that they could be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to comfort your baby without having to get out of bed in the middle night. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical, and comfortable for your new baby and babies until 6 months old.
The most effective models have good airflow, with slats that are wide enough to allow air flow. You can also move the window or door depending on your needs. This makes it easier to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on them during the night. Some models also include a swaddle sack to help you with a safe sleep routine.
You'll want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded so it's easy to move around the house or transport to your destination. It must also be easy to clean, and come with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress and others you need to purchase separately. Make sure the mattress is firm, flat, and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to the bed's height. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be very beneficial to you, especially in the event that you recovering from a C section.
bedside crib travel cot come with useful features, like a tummy-tilt for reflux or a detachable moses bin which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage or comes with bags. Find out the price and what bedding comes with the crib. It is usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
New moms are enthralled by the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside, which allow them to monitor their baby during night feeds and changing nappy without getting out of the bed. They also help babies settle after c-section, or in the aftermath of other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and requirements. Be aware of safety features and whether you will be able take your baby out of the crib to feed or calm them. Also, check whether the crib is equipped with extras, such as a rocking feature. Also, take a look at the size and the height of your bed, and ensure that the crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically more affordable than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're packed with great features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, as well as reflux incline options and adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and comes with stylish oak legs, so it's perfect for your bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you hold your baby during the day and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience, but then appear again at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use initially.
The bedding you put in a bedside crib must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation dangers. A majority of cribs come with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. It's a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they can be worn down and degrade over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or carry during holidays. 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 are a great option for parents and newborns as they let you see your baby at night without the fear of them falling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. But, it's important to keep in mind that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your child for the first six months - with an additional bed in the same room to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Depending on which model you pick the bedside crib could 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 so it's easy to reach into the crib and pick up your little one. This model has a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this allowed her to gain access" to help their child.
Certain models come with additional features for example, a rocking function (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These can be useful to use if your baby is suffering from an illness that causes reflux. However, remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy bedside crib travel cot is be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable and if it comes with a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some bedside cribs come with an upholstered sheet, which allows you to wash and change it.
Think about the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Consider whether it is easy to attach to your bed, and if it comes with a bag to take it with you on your travels. Check if the product comes with extras such as a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when traveling.