Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close to you for an easy nighttime feeding A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the best option. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They are based on the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favorite among home testers since it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They are attached to your bed, which means you can reach out to soothe or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from a c section. But there's a lot to think about before you invest in one.
When you're looking for a bedside crib, make sure you're looking at a model that complies with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled because they let children fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November 2020.
The most significant change to the new rules is that bedside cribs will not have drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to lie beside your bed, but also offer a more secure protection since they are a bit below the mattress. All of the models on our list comply with these new requirements and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
It's also important to ensure that the crib you're considering purchasing is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is secured correctly. This is especially crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper such as the freestanding 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 meant for sleeping, and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should sleep in their crib or cot and not on an adult's bed, or any other type of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for your bed lets you keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach out to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, practical, and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies up until 6 months of age.
The best models have slats which are wide and open enough to allow air circulation. They also have a door and/or window that can be rolled up or down depending on the need. This makes it simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on them throughout the night. Some models include the swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded so it's easy to move around the house or to take with you on your travels. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one end can be useful to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Be sure the mattress is firm, flat, and comfortable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height that it is in line with the height of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-section surgery, a bedside crib with an adjustable height gives you a better chance of getting into and out of bed quickly especially in the initial days of recovering.
Certain models have additional features that are useful for parents, like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detach to become a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat to store, or comes with bags. It's also worth determining how much the model costs and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to purchase separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for new mums. They allow them to monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from c-section or other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
Choosing the best bedside crib is contingent on your needs 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 comfort them, and if it has additional features like rocking functions. Also, look at the size and height of your bed and ensure that the crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, but they do have some great features, such as air-tight mesh, see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and features stylish oak legs, which means it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to allow you to touch your baby during the day, and for safer co-sleeping However, they will come back up at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use at first.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation risks. Most cribs are equipped with a mattress. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they can be worn down and become deteriorated over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to transport from room to space, or take on vacation. Cots For Tots are small enough to fit in a carry bag to allow you to take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and newborns because they allow you to see your baby at night without the risk of them falling off your mattress or suffocating. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first 6 months, with an additional mattress in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
The model you choose, the bedside crib may come with features that make it more convenient. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test can swivel and can be adjusted in height to make it easier to reach and pick your child up. The model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester said gave her "easy access" to soothe their infant.
Some models have extra features like a rocking function (great for fussy babies) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are useful to use if your baby is suffering from an illness that causes reflux, but remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
Think about how easy it is be to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a waterproof mattress protector that will shield you from leaky nappies, infant sick or spills. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet, which makes it easier to change and wash it.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Make sure it's simple to attach to your bed, and if it has a bag to use for travel. Check if the product comes with additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the possibility of converting it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful for those who travel.