Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close to you for fuss-free feeding at night, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the ideal choice. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favored among home testers since it is adjustable to match the bed's height, and it swivels a full 360 degrees for easy access. It is easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close during the night without the risk of suffocation. They attach to the side of your bed so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child in the middle of the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from the c-section. There are many things to consider prior to purchasing one.
If you're looking for a crib to place beside your bed, be sure that the model you choose meets current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of 2020.
The new rules forbid bedside cribs from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, the majority of models have half-height walls, which still allow your baby to lay close to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than the mattress. All of the models in our list 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 if the crib you're considering is able to attach securely to your bed and is secured correctly. This is particularly 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 move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It's also important to remember that the crib is intended for sleeping and should never be used with any bedding or accessories, like blankets, pillows toys or toys for 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 any other mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close by at night without the threat of bed-sharing, which could increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach out and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and babies up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have good breathability, with slats that are open and wide enough to allow airflow. They also have a door and/or window that can be rolled up or down as needed. This makes it simple to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or check on them during the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
It should be small and light when folded so that it is easy to carry around the home. It must also be easy to clean, with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is supple, flat and breathable. Avoid using second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it's in line with the size of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a better chance of getting into and out of bed quickly particularly in the early weeks of healing.
Certain models come with 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. Other extras to consider are whether the crib is rocking and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth determining the cost of the crib and the bedding included - it's often necessary to purchase additional sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow mothers to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without having to get out of the bed. They also help babies settle after a c-section or in the aftermath of other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. Be aware of safety features and if you can lift your baby from the crib in order to feed them or soothe them. Also, consider whether the crib comes with extras, like rocking features. Also, look at the dimensions and height of your bed and ensure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're still loaded with great features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, as well as reflux incline options and adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It comes in three colors and has smart oak legs, so it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lower in the daytime to allow the baby to be held and sleep safely, but are raised again at night. bedside cot crib 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 for the first time.
The bedding you put in a crib bed must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation dangers. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that fit in most retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they are likely to wear out and degrade with time increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room room or to take along on holidays. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit in bags to allow you to take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without having to worry about them falling off the mattress or suffocating. 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 6 months, with a separate mattress in the same room to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you select, bedside cribs could feature features that increase their convenience. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test can swivel and is adjustable in height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this allowed her to 'easy access" to help their child.
Some models come with extras like a rocking feature (great for fussy babies), or incline settings to help with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby has a condition that causes reflux, but remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Think about how easy it is be to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if there's a mattress protector with waterproof properties that protects you from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Consider the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Be sure to check if the bed is simple to attach and if there's an included bag to travel with. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as tilting the tummy or the option of turning it into moses baskets for older children - this is a great option for traveling.