Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A bedside crib co sleeper is a fantastic option if you want your baby close by for fuss-free nighttime feeding. They’re a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.

Home testers love that this crib swivels 360deg for easy access. bedside crib with changing table Cots For Tots features 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 allow you to keep your baby close to you at night without risk of suffering from suffocation. They can be attached to your bed, which means you can reach out to help or feed your child in the middle night. They’re also great for mothers recovering from having a c-section. However, there’s a lot to consider before purchasing one.

When you’re looking for a bedside crib, make sure you’re choosing an item that is in line with current safety standards. Many older cribs have been recalled due to the fact that they let children fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they could pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November 2020.

The new rules forbid bedside cribs from having sides that completely fall down. The majority of models have ‘half-height’ walls, which still allow your child to sleep beside your bed, but offer a more secure protection since they are a bit beneath 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

It’s also worth checking that the crib you’re considering purchasing is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is attached properly. This is especially crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system like 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 keep in mind 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 a safe sleep guidelines which state that babies should sleep only in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type or soft furniture.

Comfort

A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child in close proximity at night, without the risk that they may be sharing a crib with another infant. This can increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It’s a safe and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies as young as 6 months old.

The top models offer good airflow with slats wide enough and open enough to allow airflow. You can also move the door or window according to your needs. This makes it simple to change your baby’s diaper, nurse them, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models also come with the swaddle sack, which can help you sleep in a safe routine.

It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the home. It should also be easy to clean, with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. A pocket on one end is useful to store nappies and baby clothes.

Some cribs for bedside use a mattress and others you need to purchase separately. Make sure the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is supple, flat and comfortable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores because they can increase the risk of SIDS.

Choose a crib that has an adjustable height that it’s in line with the size of your bed. Particularly if you’re recovering C-section surgery A bedside crib that has an adjustable height can give you a better chances of getting in and out of bed quickly especially in the initial weeks when you’re still recovering.

Certain models come with additional features that could be beneficial, such as tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detach to become a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib rocks and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. Look at the cost and find out what bedding is included in the crib. It is usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child’s bedside cot.

Style

Bedside cribs are an excellent option for new mums. They allow them to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without getting out of bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a csection or after recovering from other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.

Choosing the best bedside crib for you depends on your requirements and your lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be able to get your child out of the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it comes with additional features like a rocking function. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that any crib you choose can be comfortably.

Bedside cribs tend to be more affordable than Moses baskets, but don’t be fooled they’re still loaded with fantastic features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, reflux incline options and adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect sleeper. It comes in three colors and features stylish oak legs, which means it will fit right into your bedroom. Plus, it’s easy to assemble and fold and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.

Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you hold your baby during the daytime and for a safer co-sleeping environment, but then come back up at 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 initially.

The bedding you put in a bedside crib must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation risks. A majority of cribs come with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that fit in most retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they are likely to wear out and become worse with age and increase the chance of SIDS.

Bedside cribs also are much smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to move from room space, or take when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags to allow you to transport them on short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs are great for parents and newborns because they allow you to see your baby at night without the danger of them falling off the mattress or suffocating. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest that you only sleep with them for the first 6 months, with an additional mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.

Depending on which model you pick the bedside crib could have features that make it more convenient. 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 in and take your baby. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester reported gave an easy access to hold their infant.

Some models have extra features like a rocking feature (great for fussy babies), or incline settings that help with reflux. These are beneficial for children with an illness that can cause reflux, however, your infant should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.

When selecting a model, consider the ease to clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector to keep away leaky nappies and dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier for you to wash and change it.

Other features to consider include the ease with which it can build and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure it’s easy to attach to your bed and if it comes with a bag for travel. Take note of extras such as a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when traveling.