Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for the night without any fuss A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the best option. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favored by home testers due to the fact that it is adjustable to match your bed's height and rotates a full 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It folds up easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close during the night without fear of suffering from suffocation. They attach to the sides of your bed so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child in the middle of the night. They're perfect for mothers recovering from the c-section. However, there's a lot to think about before purchasing one.
When searching for a crib to place beside your bed, make sure that the crib you select conforms to current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled because they permit children to fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure the crib you are considering is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of this year.
The most significant change to the new rules is that bedside cribs will not have drop-down sides. Instead, the majority of models have half-height walls, which still allow your baby to lay next to your bed but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a little lower than your mattress. All models on our list meet the new requirements. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Check that the crib is securely affixed to your bed, and that it is properly secured. This is especially important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper, like the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby awards.
It's also important to keep in mind that a crib is intended to sleep and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other accessories, like blankets, pillows, toys or toys for stuffed animals. Official safe sleep advice from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only sleep in their own sleeping space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any other type of mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child in close proximity during the night, without having to take the risk that they may be shared with other babies. This could increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can 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, convenient, and comfortable for your new baby and babies until 6 months of age.
The most effective models come with slats that are wide and open enough to allow for airflow. They also feature an opening or window that can be folded up or down when needed. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby, nurse them, or examine their sleep at night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
You'll want a mattress that is light and compact when folded so it's easy to move around the house or take away with you. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase one separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is specifically designed for your model and is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height that it matches the height of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be extremely beneficial to you, particularly if you are recovering from a C Section.
Certain models have additional features that could be beneficial, such as tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detachable to transform into a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage, or comes with bags. Look at the cost and find out what bedding is included in the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
New mums are enthralled by the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They also help babies settle after c-section, or in the aftermath of other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and needs. Be aware of safety features and if you are able to take your baby out of the crib in order to feed them or calm them. Also, make sure to check whether the crib comes with additional features, like rocking capabilities. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're still loaded with great features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, as well as reflux incline options and an adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs to fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you hold your baby during the day and for a safer co-sleeping environment However, they will pop up again at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use for the first time.
You must make sure that the bedding you choose for a crib next to a bedside is fitted properly. There should be no gaps or other openings, that could lead to suffocation. A majority of cribs come with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that fit in most retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they will wear out and deteriorate with time increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to transport from room to room, or to take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in bags, so they are easy to take with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to see your baby without having to worry about 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 that you only sleep with them for the first six month with a separate mattress in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you select, bedside cribs could feature features that increase their convenience. For example one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height, making it easy to reach into the crib and pick up your child. The model also has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester described as giving her "easy access" to hold their infant.
Some models include additional features like the ability to rock (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux but keep in mind that your baby must rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Think about how easy it is to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if it has a waterproof mattress protector that will shield you from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other factors to consider include how easy it is to assemble and how compact it is when folded away. Consider whether it is easy to attach to your bed and whether it has a bag to use to take it with you on your travels. Check if the product comes with additional features like a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when travelling.