Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A bedside cot mattress crib co sleeper is a fantastic option when you want your baby to be close for a peaceful nighttime feeding. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.

This crib is a favorite among home testers because it can be adjusted to fit your bed height and swivels all 360 degrees for easy access. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.

Safety

Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close at night without risk of suffocation. They attach to the sides of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child during the night, and they're perfect for mothers recovering from a c-section. But there's a lot to think about before purchasing 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 were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of 2020.

The most significant change in the new rules is that bedside cribs will no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, the majority of models have 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lay next to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a little lower than the mattress. All of the models in our list meet the new standards and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and bedside crib co sleeper the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.

Verify that the crib is securely affixed to your bed, and that it is properly fixed. This is particularly important if you plan to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, such as the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.

It's also important to remember that the crib should only be used to sleep and should not be used with any bedding or accessories like pillows, blankets toys or toys for stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep advice that states that babies should sleep only in their cribs or cots and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type of soft furniture.

Comfort

A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close at night without the threat of bed-sharing which can increase the risk of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical and comfortable for your infant baby and babies until 6 months old.

The top models offer good breathability with slats open and Bedside Crib Co Sleeper wide enough to allow airflow. They also feature a door and/or window that can be folded up or down when needed. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or monitor them at the end of the night. Some models include the swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.

You'll want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded, making it easy to move around your home or to take with you on your travels. It should also be easy to clean, and come with a a removable and washable mattress cover. The pocket on one side can be used to store spare nappies and baby clothes.

Some bedside 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 can increase the risk of SIDS.

Choose a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it matches the height of your own bed. A bedside cot co sleeper crib that is adjustable in height could be very beneficial to you, particularly if you are recovering from a C section.

Certain models come with useful extras, such as the tummy-tilt feature for reflux or a detachable moses basket that can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Other features to consider include whether the crib rocks or folds down to lay flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth checking the price and the bedding included - it's usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.

Style

amazon bedside cot cribs are an excellent option for new mums. They let them monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a c-section or after recovering from other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.

Choosing the right bedside crib for you depends on your needs and your lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be able to get your child from the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it comes with any additional features, such as rocking bedside crib functions. Also, look at the size and the height of your bed, and check that any crib you pick will fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs are typically cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're packed with great features like air-tight mesh and transparent sides, as well as reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It comes in three colours with elegant oak legs that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. Plus, it's easy to assemble and fold and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to the grandparents.

Some cribs have side panels that can be lower in the daytime to allow you to touch your baby and co-sleep safely, but are raised again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, although one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use initially.

Any bedding you use in a crib bed must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation hazards. This is why a lot of cribs have an adjustable mattress, however you can find suitable sheets at most retailers. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they may be worn out and deteriorate over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.

Bedside cribs are lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room to room or to take along on holidays. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit in bags, so they are easy to take to short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without having to worry about them falling off the bed or suffocating. It's important to note that official safe sleep guidance 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 space, to reduce the risk of SIDS.

The model you pick the bedside crib and travel cot crib could include features that make it more convenient. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test is a swivel, and is adjustable in the height to make it easier to reach and pick your child up. The model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to hold their infant.

Certain models include extra features like a rocking function (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are beneficial in the event that your child suffers from an illness that triggers reflux, however your newborn should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.

When selecting a fabric, consider the ease to clean. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable and has a waterproof protector to keep away leaky nappies and drips. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet that makes it easier for you to wash and change it.

Other factors to consider include the ease with which it can put together and how compact when folded away. Be sure to check if it is easy to put together and if it comes with bags included to travel with. Take note of extras such as a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when travelling.