Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A bedside crib co sleeper is a great choice if you want your baby close to you for a relaxed evening feeding. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.

Home testers love that this crib rotates 360deg to make it easy to access and has an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a bag for travel.

Safety

Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close at night without risk of suffocation. They attach to the side of your bed so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your infant during the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from the c-section. But there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.

If you are looking for a crib to put next to your bed, be sure that the model you choose is safe and meets the current standards for safety. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of this year.

The new regulations prohibit bedside cribs from having sides that completely drop down. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to lie on your bed, but offer a more secure barrier as they sink below the mattress. All of the models on our list comply with these new requirements, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.

Check that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is correctly fixed. This is especially crucial if you intend to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, like the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby awards.

It is also important to remember that a crib is intended for sleeping purposes and should not be used with any bedding or accessories, like blankets, pillows, toys or toys for stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should only sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other kind of soft furnishings.

Comfort

A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close at night without the threat of bed-sharing which can increase the chance of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach over and soothe your baby in the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical and comfortable for your new baby and babies until 6 months of age.

The most effective models have slats which are wide and spacious enough to allow air flow. You can also roll up and down the door or window depending on your needs. This makes it easier to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or check on them during the night. Some models also include an swaddle bag to assist you with a safe sleep routine.

You'll want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around your home or transport to your destination. It is also easy to clean, with a removable and washable mattress cover. The pocket at one end can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.

Some bedside cribs include the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is firm, flat and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they could increase the risk of SIDS.

Find the right crib that can be adjusted to the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be very beneficial to you, particularly in the event that you are recovering from a C-section.

Some models include useful features, like a tummy-tilt for reflux or a detachable moses basket that can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat to store, or comes with bags. It's also worth looking into how much the model costs and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to purchase separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.

Style

Bedside cribs are an excellent option for new mums. They allow them to monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes without getting out of bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after c-section, or after recovering from other medical conditions, such as colic or reflux.

Choosing the right bedside crib for your child is based on your preferences and your lifestyle. Take into consideration the safety features and if you are able to lift your baby from the crib to feed them or calm them. Also, Bedside Crib Co Sleeper check if the crib has any extras, like rocking capabilities. Check the height and size of your bed to make sure that the crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, however they have excellent features, including breathable mesh and see through sides, reflux incline option and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with elegant oak legs that make it a great fit for any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.

Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to let you touch your baby during the day and for safer co-sleeping however, they pop up again at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use initially.

The bedding you choose to use in a bedside crib must fit properly and must not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation hazards. This is why a lot of cribs come with a fitted mattress, but sheets that are suitable for use at most retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses, which may be worn out and deteriorate over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.

bedside cot wooden cribs are also lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room to room or carry on holidays. The best bedside cots bedside cribs are small enough to fit into 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 rolling off the bed or suffocating. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six months with an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.

Depending on the model you select, bedside cribs could feature features that increase their ease of use. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test swivels, and can be adjusted in height to make it easier to reach and pick your child up. This model has a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester stated that this provided her with 'easy access" to comfort their child.

Some models include additional features like a rocking feature (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux, but remember that your newborn bedside cot should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.

Think about how easy it is to clean the model. Check whether the fabric can be washed by machine and if it comes with a waterproof mattress protector, which will protect from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some bedside cribs come with an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier to change it and wash it.

Take into consideration the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Be sure to check if it is easy to put together and if it comes with an included bag to travel with. Also, think about if it has additional features like tilting the tummy or the option of turning it into moses baskets for older babies - this can be useful for travelling.