Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a fantastic option when you want your baby to be close for a peaceful evening feeding. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They adhere to the strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home testers love the fact that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access. It also comes with an adjustable mattress to match your bed. It folds up easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of suffering from suffocation. They attach to your bed so that you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from an c-section. There are a variety of factors to consider prior to purchasing one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib, make sure you're choosing a model that complies with current safety standards. Many older cribs have been recalled because they permit children to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they can pose a danger of strangulation and entrapment. Be sure that the crib you select is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which will be launched in November 2020.
The new rules forbid cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to sleep beside your bed, but also offer a more secure protection because they sink a little beneath the mattress. All of the models we have listed meet the new standards which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
It's also worth checking that the crib you're considering is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is secured correctly.
bedside cot 6 months plus 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 and Baby Awards.
It is crucial to remember that a crib is meant for sleeping, and is not meant to be used with bedding or other items like blankets, toys, pillows, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type of soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close by at night without the risk of bed-sharing which can increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without getting out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, convenient and comfortable for your infant baby and infants up to 6 months of age.
The most effective models come with slats that are wide and wide enough to allow for air flow. They also feature windows or doors that can be rolled up or down depending on the need. It is simple to change your baby's diaper and nurse them or check on them at the end of the night. Some models include a swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
You'll want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded, making it easy to move around the house or to take with you on your travels. It should also be easy to clean, with a removable and washable mattress cover. A pocket on one end is useful to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress, while others must purchase separately. Make sure the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is firm, flat and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height that it matches the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be a great help to you, especially in the event that you are recovering from a C-section.
Some models have extra features that can be useful for parents, like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detachable to become a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib rocks, folds down to lie flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. Find out the price and what bedding comes with the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great option for mothers who are new. They allow them to monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of their bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from c-section or other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.

The best crib for your child is based on your needs and your lifestyle. Consider the safety features and whether you are able to remove your baby from the crib in order to feed or soothe them. Also, check whether the crib is equipped with extras, like a rocking feature. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they still have amazing features, like the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and an adjustable height.
bedside cots for newborns is our favorite, since it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs to make it a great fit for any bedroom. Plus, it's easy to assemble and fold and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you touch your baby during the daytime and for a safer co-sleeping environment, but then pop up again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, but one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use at first.
You must make sure that the bedding you choose for a crib beside a bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other gaps, that could lead to an air suffocation. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. It's a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they are prone to wear and deteriorate over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room to room or take with you during holidays. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit into a carry bag, so you can easily bring them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for new babies and parents because they allow you to see your baby at night without the risk of them rolling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. But, it's important to keep in mind that the official guidelines for safe 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 reduce the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick, bedside cribs can feature features that increase their convenience. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted in the height so that it is easier for you reach in and pick your child up. This model also has a sidewall that dips down, which an MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to comfort their baby.
Some models include additional features, such as the ability to rock (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby suffers from a condition that causes reflux, but remember that your newborn should rest on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a model take into consideration how easy it is to keep clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable, and if it comes with a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some bedside cribs come with an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier to change and wash it.
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 if it has a bag to use to take it with you on your travels. Also, think about if it has extras like tilting the tummy or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older children. This is a great option for traveling.