Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great choice if you want your baby to be close for a peaceful evening feeding. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They are based on the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home testers love the fact that this crib rotates 360deg to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by during the night without risking suffocation or overheating. They attach to the sides of your bed so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your baby during the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. But there's a lot to consider before you invest in one.
If you are choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, make sure that the crib you select is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A lot of cribs older than that were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Make sure the crib you are considering meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, most models feature half-height walls, which still allow your baby to lay next to your bed but offer a more secure barrier by sinking a little lower than your mattress. All of the models we have listed meet these 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 correctly fixed. This is especially important if you plan to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, such as the free-standing 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 and should never be used with bedding or other accessories, such as pillows, blankets toys, or stuffed animals. Official advice for safe sleep from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should rest in their own bed space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies as young as 6 months old.
The most effective models have slats which are wide and spacious enough to allow for airflow. You can also move the window or door according to your needs. This makes it simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models also include the swaddle sack, which can help you sleep in a safe routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded making it easy to move around your home or take away with you. It must also be easy to clean, with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on one side can be useful to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, while others must purchase separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is specifically designed for your model and is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height that it is in line with the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height can be a great help to you, especially in the event that you recovering from a C section.
Certain models have additional features that are useful like a tummy tilt for reflux, or the ability to detach to make a moses' basket and later a toddler playpen. travel cot bedside crib to consider are whether the crib rocks and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. 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
New moms love the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that let them keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and nappy changes without getting out of bed. They also help babies settle after a csection or when recovering from other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Take into consideration the safety features and if you will be able lift your baby from the crib to feed them or soothe them. Also, make sure to check whether the crib comes with extras, like a rocking feature. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be more affordable than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're packed with fantastic features like air-tight mesh and transparent sides, reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and comes with stylish oak legs, so it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be removed during the day, allowing you to touch your baby and sleep safely and then raised at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, but one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
You must ensure that the bedding used for a crib beside a bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings which could lead to the suffocation. Most cribs are equipped with a mattress. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which may be worn out and deteriorate over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to transport from room to space, or take on trips on. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag so that you can easily take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and babies because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the fear of them rolling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to remember that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby during the first six months with a separate bed in the same space, to lower the risk of SIDS.
The model you pick the bedside crib could include features that make it more convenient. For instance one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height so it's easy to reach inside and pick up your little one. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester said gave an easy access to comfort their baby.
Some models include additional features like the ability to rock (useful for fussy babies) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby has a condition that causes reflux, but be aware that your baby should sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will to clean the model. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed and if it comes with a waterproof mattress protector that protects you from leaky nappies, baby sick or dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier to change it and wash it.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to put together and how compact it is when folded away. Check if the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with an included bag to travel with. Take note of extras such as a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful for those who travel.