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 bedside crib co-sleeper is the best option. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They adhere to the the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.

This crib is a favorite by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to suit the bed's height, and it swivels a full 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It folds up easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.

Safety

Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without the risk of suffocation. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. But there's a lot to think about before you invest in one.

When you're looking for a bedside crib make sure you're looking at an item that is in line with current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be introduced in November 2020.

The new regulations prohibit bedside cribs from having sides that completely fall down. Most cribs have "half height' walls, which still allow your child to lie next to your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier as they sink beneath 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 securely anchored. This is especially crucial if you intend to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, such as 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 remember that the crib should only be used for sleeping purposes and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories, such as pillows, blankets, toys, or animals that are stuffed. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep advice that states that infants should sleep in their cribs or cots and not on an adult's bed, or any other type or soft furnishings.

Comfort

A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child in close proximity throughout the night, without the risk that they may be shared with another baby. This can increase the risk of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, easy to use and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies up until 6 months of age.

The most effective models have good airflow with slats wide enough to let air flow. They also have a door and/or window that can be folded up or down depending on the need. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby and nurse them or check on their sleep at night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.

You'll want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around the house or transport to your destination. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on one side is handy for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.

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

Choose a crib that has an adjustable height so that it is in line with the height of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering C-section surgery A bedside crib that has an adjustable height can give you a better chance of getting into and out of bed easily, especially during the early weeks of healing.

Certain models have additional features that can be useful like a tummy tilt for reflux, or detach to transform into a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib rocks or folds down to lay flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. Look at the cost and find out what bedding is included with the crib. It is usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.

Style

New mums appreciate the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that allow them to keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and diaper changes without having to get out of the bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a csection or in the aftermath of other medical conditions, such as colic or reflux.

Choosing the best bedside crib for your child is based on your needs and lifestyle. Consider the safety features and if you can lift your baby from the crib in order to feed them or soothe them. Also, consider if the crib has any additional features, like rocking capabilities. Check amazon bedside cot and size of your bed to make sure that the crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you - they're still packed with amazing features, including breathable mesh and see-through sides, as well as reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with stylish oak legs to make it a great fit for any bedroom. It's also easy to fold and assemble, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to the grandparents.

Some cribs have side panels that lower down to allow you to touch your baby during the day, and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience, but then pop up again at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use for the first time.

The bedding you choose to use in a crib for bed must fit properly and should not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation hazards. This is the reason that many cribs come with an adjustable mattress, however you can purchase suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. It's a good idea avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they can be worn down and degrade over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.

Bedside cribs also are much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to transport from room to rooms, or to take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags so that you can easily transport them on short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and newborns because they allow you to see your baby at night without the danger of them rolling off your mattress or suffocating. But, 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 a separate bed in the same room, to lower the risk of SIDS.

Depending on the model you pick, bedside cribs can have features that add to their ease of use. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test swivels, and is adjustable in height to make it easier to reach and pick your child up. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to hold their baby.

Some models have additional extras, such as a rocking feature (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful if your child has an illness that can cause reflux, however, your newborn should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.

Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Check whether the fabric can be machine washed and if it comes with a waterproof mattress protector that will shield you from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.

Think about the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Check if it's simple to attach to your bed, and if it comes with a bag for travel. Also, think about if it has extras like a tummy tilt or the option of turning it into moses baskets for older children - this can be useful for travelling.