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 close by for fuss-free nighttime feeding. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.

Home testers love the fact that the crib can rotate 360 degrees to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.

Safety

Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They attach to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your infant in the middle of the night. They're suitable for mothers who are recovering from an op. There's plenty to think about before purchasing one.

If you're searching for a crib to put next to your bed, ensure that the crib you pick is safe and meets the current standards for safety. Many older cribs were recalled due to the risk of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which will be introduced in November 2020.

The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs can not have drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lay next to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier by sinking a bit lower than the mattress. All of our models are in compliance with these new standards. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Award 2017

It's also important to ensure that the crib you're considering is able to attach securely to your bed and is anchored properly. This is especially important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system, such as the 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 intended for sleep and is not meant to be used with bedding or other accessories like pillows, blankets, toys or stuffed animals. Official safe sleep advice from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only sleep in their own sleep space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other type of mattress or soft furnishing.

Comfort

A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child close during the night, without having to take the danger that they might be shared with other babies. This can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach out to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed in the middle night. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and babies as young as 6 months old.

The best models have slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow for airflow. You can also move the window or door as you need. This makes it simple to nurse, change your baby or check on them throughout the night. Some models also include a swaddle sack to help you sleep in a safe routine.

You want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded, making it easy to move around the house or transport to your destination. It must also be easy to clean, and come with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. The pocket at one end can be used to store extra nappies and baby clothes.


Some cribs with a bedside include mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is specifically designed for your model and is supple, flat and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they could increase the risk of SIDS.

Choose a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it's in line with the size of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib with an adjustable height can give you a greater chances of getting in and out of bed easily particularly in the early weeks of recovering.

Some models come with useful extras, such as the tummy-tilt feature to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses' basket which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Other features to consider include whether the crib rock and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. Check the price and see what bedding is included in the crib. It is usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot bed.

Style

Bedside cribs are a great option for new mums. They allow mothers to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes, without getting out of their bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a csection or after recovering from other medical conditions like colic or reflux.

The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and needs. In addition to the obvious safety features, consider whether you'd like to be able to get your baby out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it includes any extras such as rocking functions. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that any crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs tend to be cheaper than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're packed with great features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to create 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 simple to put together and fold up, 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 hold your baby during the day, and for safer co-sleeping, but then appear again 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 at first.

You must make sure that the bedding you choose to make a crib bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other gaps, which could lead to suffocation. Most cribs are equipped with a mattress. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they are likely to wear out and become worse with age and increase the chance of SIDS.

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

Convenience

Bedside cribs let you see your baby without having to worry about them falling off the bed or suffocating. It's important to remember that the official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your child for the first six months with a separate bed in the same room to lower the risk of SIDS.

Based on the model you pick, bedside cribs can feature features that increase their ease of use. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test swivels, and can be adjusted in height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. The model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to comfort their baby.

Certain models include extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are helpful in the event that your child suffers from a condition that can cause reflux, however, your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.

Think about how easy it is be to clean the model. Check if the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector that can keep away leaky nappies and dribbles. co sleeper bedside cot come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.

Other factors to consider include the ease with which it can assemble and how compact when folded away. Check if it's simple to attach to your bed, and if it comes with a bag for travel. Check if the product comes with additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the capability to transform it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful for those who travel.