Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for fuss-free feeding at night, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the best option. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favorite among home testers because it can be adjusted to fit your bed's height and rotates 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 a great way to keep baby close by at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They attach to your bed so that you can reach out to comfort or feed your child during the middle of the night. They're also great for mothers recovering from a c section. There are many things to consider before investing in one.
If you're shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're choosing a model that complies with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were recalled due to the risk of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Make sure the crib you are considering is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit bedside cribs from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, most models feature half-height walls that allow your baby to lay next to your bed but offer a more secure barrier by sinking slightly lower than your mattress. All of our models 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 Award 2017
It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering is able to attach securely to your bed and is attached correctly. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, such as the free-standing Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It's also important to remember that a crib is intended for sleeping and should never be used in conjunction with bedding or other accessories, such as pillows, blankets, toys or animals that are stuffed. Official safe sleep advice from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants 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 bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach out and comfort your baby during 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 baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies up to 6 months old.
The top models offer good airflow with slats open and wide enough to let air flow. They also come with windows or doors that you can roll up or down when needed. It is simple to change your baby's diaper or nurse them, or examine their sleep at the end of the night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to carry around the house. It should also be easy to clean, with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. The pocket at one end can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress, while others need to purchase separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed for your specific model and is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it's in line with the size of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering from C-section surgery, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a greater chance of getting into and out of bed with ease especially in the initial weeks of healing.
Some models have extra features that can be useful for parents, like a tummy tilt for reflux, or detachable to transform into a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib rocks and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth determining the price and the bedding included - it's often necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
New mothers love the convenience of bedside cribs that let them keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and diaper changes without getting out of the bed. describes it can also be useful in helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition like reflux or colic.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and requirements. In addition to the obvious safety features, consider whether you want to be able to lift your child out of the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it includes any extras such as a rocking function. Examine the height and size of your bed to make sure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're still loaded with amazing features, including air-tight mesh and transparent sides, as well as reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with stylish oak legs to be a perfect fit in any bedroom. Plus, it's easy to fold and assemble, and comes with a handy bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to allow you to touch your baby during the day, and for a safer co-sleeping environment However, they will 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 had difficulty getting it to use for the first time.
It is essential to make sure that the bedding you use for a crib beside a bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings, that could lead to suffocation. This is the reason that many cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can find suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they are likely to wear out and degrade with time increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room to room or to take along when you go on vacation. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning you can easily take them to short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to see your baby without worrying about them falling off the bed or suffocating. But, it's important to remember that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your baby for the first six months - with a separate bed in the same room to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Depending on which model you pick the bedside crib could have features that make it more convenient. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test swivels, and is adjustable in the height to make it easier to reach and pick up your child. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this allowed her to gain access" to help their child.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking function (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings to help with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux. However, be aware that your baby should sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a fabric take into consideration the ease to keep clean. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable, and if it comes with a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier to change and wash it.
Other factors to consider include how easy it is to assemble and how compact when folded away. Check if it is easy to attach and if there's a bag included to travel with. Also, think about if 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.