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 that is positioned at the bedside is the perfect choice. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They follow strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.

This crib is a popular choice among home testers since it can be adjusted to fit the bed's height, and it swivels a full 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a bag for travel.

Safety

Bedside cribs are a great option to keep your baby close at night without the risk of suffocation or overheating. They are attached to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your baby in the middle of the night, and they're suitable for mothers who are recovering from an op. There are a lot of things to consider before investing in one.

When looking for a crib to put next to your bed, make sure that the crib you pick is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled due to the fact that they let children slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November 2020.

The new rules forbid cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, most models feature 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to sleep close to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier by sinking slightly lower than the mattress. All of our models 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 Award 2017

Verify that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is properly secured. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper, such as 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 also important to remember that the crib should be used only for sleeping purposes and should not be used with bedding or accessories, like pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animals. Official safe sleep advice from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should rest in their own bed space, in their own crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishing.

Comfort

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

The most effective models have good airflow with slats wide enough to allow air flow. You can also move the window or door depending on your needs. This makes it simple to nurse, change your baby or check on them during the night. Some models also come with the swaddle sack, which can help you with a safe sleep routine.

It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the home. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one side is handy to store nappies or baby clothes.

Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is flat, firm and breathable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores as they could increase the risk of SIDS.


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

bedside cot sale come with additional features that can be useful for parents, like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detach to become a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rock, folds down to lie flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth determining the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's often necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's crib.

Style

Bedside cribs are a fantastic option for mothers who are new. They allow mothers to monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after c-section, or after recovering from other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.

The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and needs. Aside from the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be able to get your child out of the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it comes with additional features like the ability to rock. Also, look at the dimensions and height of your bed and ensure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs tend to be more affordable than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're still loaded with fantastic features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. Plus, it's easy to fold and assemble, and comes with a handy bag for trips to visit the grandparents.

Some cribs feature side panels that can be lower during the day, allowing you to hold your baby and sleep safely and then raised at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use initially.

You must make sure that the bedding you use to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There shouldn't be gaps or other gaps, which could cause suffocation. This is the reason that many cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can find suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can become worn out and degrade with time increasing the risk of SIDS.

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

Convenience

Bedside cribs are great for parents and newborns as they let you see your baby at night without the fear of them rolling off your mattress or getting suffocated. But, it's important to keep in mind that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your baby during the first six months - with an additional bed in the same room to lower the chance of SIDS.

Depending on the model you choose, bedside cribs may have features that add to their ease of use. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test is a swivel, and is adjustable in the height so that it is easier to reach and pick your child up. The model comes with a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester said that this gave her gain access" to help their child.

Certain models include extra features like a rocking function (great for fussy babies) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are helpful in the event that your child suffers from an illness that can cause reflux, however, your baby should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.

Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed and if it comes with a mattress protector with waterproof properties that will shield you from leaky nappies, baby sick or spills. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet, which makes it easier to wash and change it.

Other things to consider are how easy it is to build and how compact when folded away. Check if it's easy to attach to your bed and whether it has a bag to use to take it with you on your travels. Lastly, consider if it has additional features like a tummy tilt or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older children. bedside crib to cot could be helpful for travel.