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 ideal choice. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favorite among home testers since it is adjustable to match your bed height and swivels to 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by during the night without risking overheating or suffocating. They are attached to the sides of your bed so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your baby during the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. There's plenty to think about before purchasing one.
When shopping for a bedside crib make sure you're choosing one that meets current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of 2020.
The biggest change in the new rules is that bedside cribs may no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature half-height walls that allow your baby to sleep close to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a little lower than the mattress. All of the models we have listed conform to these new requirements and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is attached correctly. This is particularly important if you intend 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 and Baby Awards.
It's also important to remember that a crib is intended to sleep and should not be used with bedding or accessories, such as pillows, blankets toys, or stuffed animals. Official advice for safe sleep from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only sleep in their own sleeping space, in their own crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any other type of mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close by at night without the threat of bed-sharing which can increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and soothe your baby in the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, convenient and comfortable for your new baby and babies until 6 months of age.
The most effective models have good breathability and slats that are wide enough and open enough to allow air flow. They also feature windows or doors that you can roll up or down as needed. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby, nurse them, or monitor their sleep at night. Some models also include a swaddle sack to help you to have a secure sleep routine.
You'll want a mattress that is light and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around the house or transport to your destination. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one side is handy to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with a mattress, while others need to purchase separately. Make sure the mattress is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it matches the height of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering C-sections, a bedside crib with an adjustable height can give you a better chances of getting in and out of bed easily particularly in the early days of recovering.
Certain models come with additional features that could be beneficial for parents, like a tummy tilt for reflux, or the ability to detach to transform into a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat for storage or comes with a bag. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and the bedding included - it's usually necessary to buy separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New moms are enthralled by the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to monitor their baby during feedings at night and nappy changes without getting out of the bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from c-section or other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
Choosing the right bedside crib for your child is based on your requirements and your lifestyle. Take into 4-in-1 bedside crib and if you are able to take your baby out of the crib in order to feed or soothe them. Also, make sure to check whether the crib comes with additional features, like rocking capabilities. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that any crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they have great features, such as breathable mesh and see through sides, an option for reflux incline and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs to make it a great fit for any bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold up, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to allow you to touch your baby during the day, and for safer co-sleeping, but then come back up at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, though one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use at first.
The bedding you put in a crib for bed must fit properly and must not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation dangers. Most cribs are equipped with mattresses. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they will wear out and degrade with time increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to move from room room, or to take when you go on trips on. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning you can easily bring them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and newborns because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the fear of them falling off the mattress or suffocating. However, it's important to remember that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby during the first six months - with an additional bed in the same space, to lower the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you select, bedside cribs could feature features that increase their ease of use. For example, one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height so it's easy to reach in and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which an MFM home tester described as giving an easy access to hold their infant.
Some models come with extras like a rocking feature (great for fussy babies), or incline settings that help with reflux. These are useful in the event that your child suffers from a condition that triggers reflux, however your baby should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Make sure the fabric can be washed by machine and if it comes with a mattress protector that is waterproof that protects you from leaky nappies, infant sick or spills. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet that allows you to change it and wash it.
Other features to consider include the ease with which it can build and how compact it is when folded away. Consider whether it is easy to attach to your bed and if it has a bag to use for travel. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful for those who travel.