Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A bedside crib co sleeper is a fantastic option if you want your baby close to you for a relaxed evening feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They follow official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.

This crib is a popular choice by home testers due to the fact that it is adjustable to match the bed's height, and it swivels to 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.

Safety

Bedside cribs are a great way to keep your baby close during the night without risking overheating or suffocating. They can be attached to the side of your bed, so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your baby during the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. But there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.

If you are choosing a crib to put next to your bed, make sure that the crib you pick meets current safety standards. Many older cribs were 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 and entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November 2020.

The new regulations prohibit cribs that are used for bedside crib travel use from having sides that completely fall down. Most cribs have "half height walls that allow your child to lie on your bed, but also offer a more secure protection as they sink beneath the mattress. All models on our list 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 Awards 2017.

Check that the crib is securely affixed to your bed and that it is properly secured. This is especially 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 and Baby Awards.

It is important to remember that a crib is designed for sleeping and is not meant to be used with bedding or other items like pillows, blankets, toys or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines that state that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type of soft furniture.

Comfort

A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby bedside crib close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the risk of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your new baby and infants up to 6 months old.

The most effective models have slats which are wide and open enough to allow air circulation. You can also roll up and down the window or door as you need. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby and nurse them or check on them at night. Some models even come with an swaddle bag to assist you to have a secure sleep routine.

You'll want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around the house or to take with you on your travels. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. The pocket at one end can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.

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

Find a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it is in line with the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be a great help for you, particularly in the event that you recovering from a C-section.

Some models include useful extras, like an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket that can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Check if the crib is rocking, can be folded flat to store, or comes with bags. Find out the price and what bedding is included in the crib. It is often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot at cheap bedside cot.

Style

Bedside cribs are a great alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They let them keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes, without getting out of bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from a C-section or other medical condition such as colic or reflux.

The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and needs. Be aware of safety features and if you will be able take your baby out of the crib to feed them or calm them. Also, consider if the crib has any extras, like a rocking feature. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that any crib you choose can be comfortably.

Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, but they do have some excellent features, including air-tight mesh, see-through sides, reflux incline option and a height that can be adjusted. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and has smart oak legs, so it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also easy to assemble, fold and comes with a handy bag for trips to grandparents.

Some cribs have side panels that can be lower during the day, allowing the baby to be held and co-sleep safely and then raised at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, although one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to operate initially.

You should ensure that the bedding you choose for a crib beside a bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other gaps, that could lead to the suffocation. This is why a lot of cribs have an adjustable mattress, however sheets that are suitable for use at most stores. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which may be worn out and degrade over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.

Bedside cribs are also more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or to take along when you go on vacation. The best bedside crib and cot cribs are compact enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning they are easy to take to short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs are great for new babies and parents because they allow you to see your baby at night without the fear of them rolling off your mattress or suffocating. However, it's important to note that official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby during the first six months - with an additional bed in the same room to lower the risk of SIDS.

Based on the model you select, bedside cribs could include features that enhance their ease of use. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted in height to make it easier for you reach in and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to comfort their infant.

Some models have extra features such as a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings to help with reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux but remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.

Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable and if it comes with a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs for 4-in-1 bedside crib use an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier for you to change it and wash 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 if it has a bag to use for travel. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature for those who travel.