Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for the night without any fuss, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the best option. 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 that this crib rotates 360deg to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It is also easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.

Safety

Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep your baby close during the night without risking overheating or suffocating. They attach to your bed so that you can reach out and soothe or feed your child in the middle night. They're also great for mums recovering after an c-section. There are amazon bedside cot of factors to consider prior to purchasing one.

When searching for a crib to place beside your bed, be sure that the model you choose meets current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled because they let children fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure the crib you choose is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which is scheduled to be launched in November 2020.

The most significant change to the new regulations is that bedside cribs will not be made with completely drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to lie on your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier as they sink below the 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 Award 2017

Make sure that the crib is securely affixed to your bed, and that it is properly secured. This is particularly 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's important to remember that a crib is only designed for sleeping and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines which state that babies should sleep only in their cribs or cots and not on an adult's bed, or any other type of soft furniture.

Comfort

A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close throughout the night, without the danger that they might be sharing a crib with another infant. This can increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and soothe your baby during the middle of the night without needing 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 have good breathability and slats that are wide enough and open enough to allow air flow. You can also move the door or window depending on your needs. This makes it easier to nurse, change your baby, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.

It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the house. It is also easy to clean, with a removable and washable mattress cover. A pocket on one side can be useful to store nappies and baby clothes.

Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, while others have to buy separately. Be sure the mattress is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid using second-hand mattresses because they can increase the risk of SIDS.

Find a crib that is adjusted to the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height can be a great help to you, especially if you are recovering from a C Section.

Some models include 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. Consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat for storage or comes with a bag. It's also worth determining the cost of the crib and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to purchase separate sheets for your baby's crib.

Style

New mothers are enthralled by the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that let them monitor baby during night feedings and nappy changes without having to get out of the bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a c-section or in the aftermath of other medical conditions, such as colic or reflux.

Choosing the right bedside crib for your child is based on your needs and your lifestyle. Consider the safety features and whether you are able to lift your baby from the crib in order to feed or calm them. Also, check whether the crib comes with additional features, like a rocking feature. Also, look at the size and height of your bed and make sure that the crib you select will fit comfortably.

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

Some cribs feature side panels that can be lower during the day to allow you to hold your baby and co-sleep safely and then raised 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.

You should ensure that the bedding used for a crib beside a bedside is fitted properly. There should be no gaps or other gaps, that could lead to an air suffocation. Most cribs are equipped with mattresses. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they are likely to wear out and degrade with time increasing the risk of SIDS.


Bedside cribs are lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or carry during holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag, so you can easily take them to short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs allow you to see your baby without worrying about them falling off the bed or suffocating. However, 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 child for the first six months with a separate bed in the same space, to lower the risk of SIDS.

Depending on the model that you choose, bedside cribs may have features that add to their convenience. For example one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach in and pick up your little one. This model has a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this provided her with 'easy access" to soothe their child.

Some models include additional features for example, the ability to rock (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are useful in the event that your child suffers from an illness that can cause reflux, however, your newborn should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.

When choosing a model, consider the ease to clean. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable and if it comes with a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet, which allows you to change it and wash it.

Other factors to consider include how easy it is to put together and how compact when folded away. Check if it's easy to connect to your bed and if it has a bag to use for travel. Take note of additional features like a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when travelling.