Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A crib that sleeps in bed is a great choice when you want your baby to be close for a peaceful nighttime feeding. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.

Home testers love the fact that this crib rotates 360deg to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.

Safety

Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by throughout the night without putting them at risk of suffocation or overheating. They attach to your bed, so you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from an c-section. There are a variety of factors to think about before purchasing one.

When choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, make sure that the model you choose meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalled because they let children slide through 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 2020.

The new rules forbid cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, the majority of models have half-height walls, which still allow your baby to sleep close to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a little lower than your mattress. All of the models on our list conform to these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack ‘n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted in 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 attached correctly. This is particularly 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 remember, too, that a crib is designed for sleeping and is not meant to be used with bedding or accessories such as toys, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should only sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type of soft furnishings.

Comfort

A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close by at night without the risk of bed-sharing, which can increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and soothe your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. It’s an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, convenient and comfortable for your infant baby and babies up until 6 months of age.

The most effective models have slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow air circulation. They also come with windows or doors that can be folded up or down as needed. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or monitor them at night. Some models include an swaddle bag that can help you create a safe sleeping routine.

It should be compact and light in its fold so that it is easy to transport around the home. It is also easy to clean, with an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on the other side can be useful to store nappies or baby clothes.

Some bedside cribs come with a mattress and others you need to purchase separately. Be sure the mattress is flat, firm and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they can increase the risk of SIDS.

Choose a crib that has an adjustable height that it matches the height of your bed. Particularly if you’re recovering C-section surgery A bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a greater chance of getting into and out of bed quickly especially in the initial days of recovering.

Certain models come with useful extras, such as the tummy-tilt feature for reflux or a detachable moses’ basket that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage or comes with a bag. 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 cot bed.

Style

New mothers appreciate the convenience of bedside cribs that allow them to keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and diaper changes without having to get out of the bed. They’re also great for helping babies settle after c-section, 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 whether you will be able lift your baby from the crib in order to feed them or calm them. Also, consider whether the crib comes with extras, such as rocking features. Examine the height and size of your bed to make sure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, however they do have some amazing features, like the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and an 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 colors and comes with stylish oak legs, so it will fit right into your bedroom. It’s also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to grandparents.

Some cribs have side panels that slide down to allow you to touch your baby during the day and for safer co-sleeping however, they come back up at the night. The Arm’s Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, though one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use initially.

You should make sure that the bedding used to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There shouldn’t be gaps or other openings which could cause suffocation. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However baby bedside sleeper are available that fit in most retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they are likely to wear out and degrade with time and increase the risk of SIDS.

Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room or carry on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, so that you can transport them on short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and babies as they let you see your baby at night without the danger of them rolling off your mattress or getting suffocated. It’s important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest that you only sleep with them for the first 6 months, with a separate mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.

Depending on which model you pick the crib that you choose for your bed could have features that make it more practical. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test swivels, and is adjustable in the height so that it is easier to reach and pick your child up. The sidewall of this model which dips down. One MFM home tester said that this allowed her to have a’simple access” to comfort their child.

Some models include additional features like a rocking function (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are helpful if your child has a condition which triggers reflux, however your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.

Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Check whether the fabric can be machine washed and if it comes with a waterproof mattress protector that protects you from leaky nappies, baby sick or spills. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet that allows you to change and wash it.

Think about the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Check if it is easy to attach and if there’s bags included for travel. Additionally, take note of whether it has extras like a tummy tilt or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older children – this is a great option for traveling.