Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great choice for parents who want their baby close by for fuss-free nighttime feeding. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They adhere to the the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.

bedside crib vs cot testers love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access. It also has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.

Safety

Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close at night without fear of being suffocated. They are attached to the sides of your bed so that you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your child in the middle of the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. There are a lot of things to think about before purchasing one.

When looking for an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, make sure that the model you choose is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A lot of cribs older than that were recalled because they allow babies to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure the crib you are considering is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November of this year.

The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs can not have drop-down sides. Instead, the majority of models have half-height walls, which still allow your baby to sleep next to your bed but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking slightly lower than the mattress. All of the models on our list meet the new standards and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.

Make sure that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is securely anchored. This is especially important if you plan to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, such as the free-standing Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.

It is important to remember that a crib is only meant for sleeping, and is not meant to be used with bedding or other accessories like pillows, blankets, toys or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep advice that states 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 crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child in close proximity 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 over to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and infants up to 6 months old.

The best models come with slats that are wide and wide enough to allow for air flow. You can also roll up and down the door or window depending on your needs. It's easy to change your baby's diaper and nurse them or monitor their sleep at night. Some models even come with a swaddle sack to 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 must be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on one side can be useful to store nappies or baby clothes.

Some cribs with a bedside include the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed for your specific model and is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid using second-hand mattresses, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.


Choose a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it matches the height of your bed. Particularly if best bedside cot uk recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib with an adjustable height can give you a greater chances of getting in and out of bed with ease, especially during the early days of healing.

Some models include useful features, like a tummy-tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses' basket which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage or comes with bags. Check the price and see what bedding is included in the crib. It is often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot bed.

Style

New mums are enthralled by the convenience of bedside cribs that let them monitor their baby during night feeds and changing nappy without getting out of the bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after c-section, or after recovering from other medical conditions, such as colic or reflux.

Choosing baby bedside co sleeper for your child is based on your needs and lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you'd like to be able to lift your child out of the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it comes with additional features like rocking functions. Also, consider the dimensions and the height of your bed, and check that any crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, however they still have excellent features, including air-tight mesh, see-through sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with stylish oak legs that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also easy to put together, fold and comes with a handy bag for trips to grandparents.

Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you touch your baby during the day and for a safer co-sleeping environment, 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 test participants found it difficult to use initially.

You must ensure that the bedding you choose for a crib beside a bedside is fitted properly. There should not be gaps or other gaps, which could lead to the suffocation. That's why many cribs come with an adjustable mattress, however you can find suitable sheets at most stores. It is a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they can be worn down and deteriorate over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.

Bedside cribs are also lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to move from room rooms, or to take on vacation. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags, so you can easily bring them along for short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs are ideal for new babies and parents as they let you see your baby at night without the fear of them falling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six month with a separate mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.

Based on the model you pick, bedside cribs can feature features that increase their convenience. For example one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height, making it easy for you to reach in and take your baby. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester said gave her 'easy access' to soothe their baby.

Some models have extra features such as a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux, but be aware that your baby should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.

Consider how easy it will to clean the model. Check if the fabric is machine washable and has a waterproof protector that can protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some bedside cribs come with an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier to wash and change it.

Other features to consider include how easy it is to put together and how compact it is when folded away. Check if it's easy to connect to your bed and whether it has a bag to use for travel. Check if the product comes with additional features like a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful for those who travel.