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Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great choice when you want your baby close by for fuss-free nighttime feeding. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees to make it easy to access and comes with an adjustable mattress to fit your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without fear of being suffocated. They attach to your bed, so you can reach out and help or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from having a c-section. There are a variety of factors to consider before investing in one.
If you're looking for a crib to put next to your bed, be sure that the crib you select meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled because 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. Be sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be introduced in November 2020.
The new rules forbid bedside cribs from having sides that completely drop down. Most cribs have "half height' walls, which still allow your child to lay on your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier because they sink a little below the mattress. All of the models on our list meet the new standards, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is anchored correctly. This is particularly important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system like the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards.
It is important to keep in mind that a crib is only intended for sleep and is not meant to be used with bedding or other accessories like blankets, toys, pillows or stuffed animals. Official safe sleep advice from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only rest in their own bed space, in their own crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any other type of mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which can increase the chance 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, convenient and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models feature good airflow, with slats that are open and wide enough to allow air flow. They also feature windows or doors that you can roll up or down when needed. This makes it simple to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or check on them during the night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the house. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on one end is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress and others you have to buy separately. Make sure the mattress is firm, flat, and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to match the bed's height. Particularly if you're recovering a C-section A bedside crib that has an adjustable height can give you a better chance of getting in and out of bed with ease especially in the initial weeks when you're still healing.
Certain models come with additional features that could be beneficial for parents, like a tummy tilt for reflux, or detach to become a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage, or comes with a bag. Check the price and see what bedding is included with the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's cot for bedside at bedside.
Style
New mums love the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that let them monitor their baby during night feedings and diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They also help babies settle after c-section, or in the aftermath of other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and needs. Aside from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be able to lift your child from the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it comes with any extras such as a rocking function. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be more affordable than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're packed with amazing features, including the breathable mesh and clear sides, incline options for reflux and adjustable height. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and features stylish oak legs, which means it will fit right into your bedroom. Plus, it's easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy travel cot bedside crib bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to allow you to touch your baby during the day, and for a safer co-sleeping environment however, they pop up again at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.
You must ensure that the bedding used for a crib next to a bedside cot crib is fitted properly. There should not be gaps or other openings, which could cause the suffocation. This is why a lot of cribs have mattresses that are fitted, but sheets that are suitable for use at most retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses as they can be worn down and become deteriorated over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room space, or take on vacation. The best newborn bedside cot cribs are compact enough to fit in a carry bag, so you can easily take them to short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and newborns as they let you see your baby at night without the danger of them falling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six month and then have a separate mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you choose, bedside cribs may include features that enhance their ease of use. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test swivels, and can be adjusted in the height to make it easier for you reach in and pick up your child. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this gave her gain access" to soothe their child.
Some models have extra features such as a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy) 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 baby should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Check whether the fabric is machine washable and if it has a waterproof mattress protector that will shield you from leaky nappies, baby sick or dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet, which allows you to change it and wash it.
Consider the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Make sure it's easy to attach to your bed, and if it comes with a bag for travelling. Take note of extras such as a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when traveling.
