Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

If you want to keep your baby close to you for the night without any fuss, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the best option. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.

Home testers love that this crib rotates 360deg for easy access and features an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.

Safety

Bedside cribs are a great option to keep baby close by throughout the night without putting them at risk of overheating or suffocating. They are attached to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child during the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from an op. But there's a lot to consider before you invest in one.

If you are searching for an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, be sure that the crib you pick conforms to current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalled because they allow babies to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Check that the crib you select is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which is scheduled to be in place in November 2020.

The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs will not have drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to lay beside your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier because they sink a little beneath 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 in the Mother&baby bedside crib Awards 2017.

It's also important to ensure that the crib you're considering is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is attached correctly. This is especially important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping 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 is crucial to remember that a crib is meant for sleeping, and is not meant to be used with bedding or other accessories like blankets, toys, pillows or stuffed animals. The official safe sleep guidelines from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only sleep in their own sleeping space in their crib or bedside rocking crib cot, and not on an adult bed or any other type of mattress or soft furnishing.

Comfort

A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child in close proximity during the night, without having to take the danger that they might be shared with another baby. This can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without having to get out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and babies up to 6 months old.

The best bedside cot models feature excellent breathability with slats wide enough to allow airflow. You can also roll up and down the window or door depending on your needs. It's easy to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or monitor their sleep at the end of the night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.

It should be small and light when folded so that it is easy to transport around the house. It is also easy to clean, with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. A pocket on one side is handy to store nappies or baby clothes.

Some bedside cot co sleeper cribs come with a mattress, while others have to buy separately. Make sure that the mattress is firm, flat and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they could increase the risk of SIDS.

Find a crib that is adjusted to match the bed's height. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be a great help for you, particularly if you are recovering from a C section.

Some models have extra features that can be useful like tilting the tummy for reflux, or detach to make a moses' basket and later toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage or comes with a bag. It's also worth determining the price and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to purchase separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.

Style

bedside cots for newborns cribs are a great alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow them to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without getting out of bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a c-section or after recovering from other medical conditions like reflux or colic.

The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and needs. Be aware of safety features and if you can remove your baby from the crib to feed them or soothe them. Also, make sure to check whether the crib comes with additional features, like rocking features. Also, look at the size and the height of your bed and ensure that the crib you select can be comfortably.

Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they still have excellent features, including the breathable mesh, the 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 style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and comes with stylish oak legs, so it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold up, and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparent's.

Some cribs have side panels that slide down to let you hold your baby during the day, and for safer co-sleeping however, they appear again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, but one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to operate initially.

The bedding you choose to use in a bedside crib should be a good fit and not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation risks. This is why a lot of cribs come with mattresses that are fitted, but you can find suitable sheets at most stores. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they will wear out and become worse with age, increasing the chance of SIDS.

Bedside cribs also are much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to move from room rooms, or to take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit in a carry bag, so they are easy to take to short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs allow you to see your baby without worrying about them falling off the bed or suffocating. It's important to remember that the official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby for the first six months with an additional bed in the same room, to lower the chance of SIDS.

Based on the model you choose the bedside crib could include features that make it more practical. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and is adjustable in the height to make it easier to reach and pick up your child. The model also has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester reported gave her "easy access" to soothe their baby.

Certain models come with additional features, such as a rocking feature (useful for fussy babies) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are helpful if your child has an illness that causes reflux, but your infant should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.

Consider how easy it will to clean the model. Check if the fabric is machine washable, and if it comes with a waterproof protector to keep away leaky nappies and dribbles. Some cribs for bedside rocking crib (click4r.com) use a fitted sheet that makes it easier for you to wash and change it.

Take into consideration the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Make sure it's easy to connect to your bed and if it comes with a bag for travel. Check if the product comes with extras such as a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when travelling.