Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for the night without any fuss, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the best option. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a popular choice by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels a full 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 option to keep baby close by at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They can be attached to the side of your bed, so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your baby in the middle of the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. There are many things to consider prior to purchasing one.
If you are choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, be sure that the crib you pick meets current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were recalled because they permit children to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, most models feature half-height walls, which still allow your baby to sleep next to your bed but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking slightly lower than your mattress. bedside cot 6 months plus of the models we have listed 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
Make sure that the crib is securely affixed to your bed and that it is properly anchored. This is especially important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system, such as 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 important to keep in mind that a crib is meant for sleeping, and should not be used with bedding or accessories such as blankets, toys, pillows, or stuffed animal. Official safe sleep advice from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only rest in their own bed space in their crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other mattress or 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 could increase the risk of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and soothe your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, convenient, and comfortable for your new baby and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have good breathability with slats wide enough to let air flow. They also feature an opening or window that can be folded up or down as needed. This makes it simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models include an swaddle bag that can aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
You want a model 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. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra baby clothes and nappies.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase one separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed for your specific model and is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to match the height of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-section surgery, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height can give you a better chances of getting in and out of bed with ease particularly in the early days of recovering.
Certain models come with additional features that could be beneficial, such as tilting the tummy for reflux, or the ability to detach to transform into 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 travel bag. Find out the price and what bedding comes with the crib. It is usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great option for mothers who are new. They let them monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of the bed. They also help babies settle after a c-section or after recovering from other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
Choosing the right bedside crib is contingent on your needs and lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, consider whether you want to be able to lift your baby out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it comes with any extras such as the ability to rock. Also, take a look at the dimensions and height of your bed and make sure that the crib you pick can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they have excellent features, including air-tight mesh, 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 sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs to be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be lower in the daytime to allow you to touch your baby and sleep safely however, they are raised at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, though one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to operate initially.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation risks. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of 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 much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room or carry on holidays. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit in the carry bag, to allow you to take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for new babies and parents because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the risk of them falling off the mattress or suffocating. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six months with a separate mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model you choose, bedside cribs may feature features that increase their ease of use. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted in the height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester said gave an easy access to comfort their baby.
Some models have additional extras for example, the ability to rock (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux, but be aware that your baby should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a model be aware of how easy it will be to clean. Check whether the fabric can be machine washed and if it has a waterproof mattress protector that protects you from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Check if the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with a bag included for travel. Check if the product comes with extras such as a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when traveling.