Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

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

Home test subjects love that this crib swivels 360deg for easy access. It also has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It is also easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.

Safety

Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep your baby close at night without the risk of suffocation or overheating. They are attached to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your infant in the middle of the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. There are a lot of things to think about before purchasing one.

When you're looking for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're looking at a model that complies with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were recalled because they permit children to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they could pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure the crib you are considering is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of 2020.

The new rules prohibit cribs for bedside co sleeper cot use from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, most models feature half-height walls that allow your baby to sleep next to your bed but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking slightly lower than the mattress. All of the models we have listed meet the 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.

It's also worth checking if the crib you're looking at is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is anchored correctly. This is especially 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 a crib should be used only for sleeping and should never be used with any bedding or accessories, such as pillows, blankets, toys or animals that are stuffed. The official safe sleep guidelines 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 furnishing.

Comfort

A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing which can increase the likelihood of SIDS. You can also reach out to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed at the middle of the night. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, easy to use and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies until 6 months of age.

The best models have slats which are wide and spacious enough to allow for airflow. You can also roll up and down the window or door depending on your needs. This makes it simple to nurse, change your baby or check on them throughout the night. Some models also come with the swaddle sack, which can help you sleep in a safe routine.

It should be small and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the home. It must also be easy to clean, and come with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. The pocket at the other end can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.

Some cribs for large bedside crib use mattresses, while others must purchase separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is supple, flat and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can increase the risk of SIDS.

Find a crib that is adjusted to match the bed's height. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be a great help to you, particularly if you are recovering from a C Section.

Some models come with useful extras, like a tummy-tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses bin that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rocks or folds down to lay flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. Find out the price and what bedding comes with the crib. It is often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot bed.

Style

Bedside cribs are a fantastic option for new mums. They allow mothers to monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of the bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from a c-section or other medical conditions like reflux or colic.

The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and needs. In addition to the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be capable of lifting your baby out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it comes with any additional features, such as the ability to rock. Also, consider the size and height of your bed and check that any crib you choose will fit comfortably.

bedside crib that turns into cot cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, but they do have some amazing features, like air-tight mesh, see-through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs that make it a great fit for any bedroom. It's also simple to put together, fold and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparent's.

Some cribs have side panels that slide down to let you touch your baby during the daytime and for a safer co-sleeping environment However, they will pop up again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, though one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use initially.

You must ensure that the bedding you choose to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other gaps, which could cause the suffocation. This is why a lot of cribs have a fitted mattress, but sheets that are suitable for use at most retailers. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which are prone to wear and degrade over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.

Bedside cribs are more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room room or take with you on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags to allow you to transport them on short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without worrying about them rolling off the bed or suffocating. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend you only co-sleep your baby bedside crib with them for the first 6 months, with an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the risk of SIDS.

The model you pick, the bedside crib may come with features that make it more comfortable. For instance one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts its height to make it easy to reach into the crib and take your baby. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester reported gave her 'easy access' to comfort their infant.

Certain models include extra features such as a rocking feature (great for fussy babies) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are helpful for children with a condition that can cause reflux, however, your infant should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.

Think about how easy it is be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washed and bedside co sleeper cot if there's a waterproof mattress protector, which will protect from leaky nappies, baby sick or dribbles. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change it.

Take into consideration the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Check if it's easy to attach to your bed and if it has a bag to use for travel. Also, think about if it comes with extras such as tilting the tummy or the possibility of turning it into a moses basket for older children - this can be useful for travelling.