Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for the night without any fuss A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the perfect choice. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favorite by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to suit the bed's height, and it swivels to 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It folds up easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of being suffocated. They attach to your bed so that you can reach out to help or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from a c section. However, there's a lot to consider before purchasing one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib make sure you're looking at a model that complies with current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. 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 use from having sides that completely fall down. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to sleep on your bed, but offer a more secure protection because they sink a little beneath your mattress. All of the models we have listed comply with these new requirements, 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 that the crib you're considering is able to attach securely to your bed and is attached 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 remember, too, that a crib is meant for sleeping, and is not meant to be used with bedding or other items like toys, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals. Official advice for safe sleep 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 other type of mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close during the night, without having to take the risk that they may be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the risk of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach over and soothe your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, practical and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies until 6 months old.
The best models feature good breathability with slats wide enough to let air flow. They also feature an opening or window that can be folded up or down as needed. This makes it easier to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or check on them during the night. Some models also come with the swaddle sack, which can help you sleep in a safe routine.
You want a mattress that is light 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 able to be removed and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on the other side is handy to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with a mattress, while others need to purchase separately. Be sure the mattress is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height that it's in line with the size of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib with an adjustable height will give you a greater chance of getting into and out of bed with ease, especially during the early days of healing.
Certain models have additional features that can be useful, such as a tummy tilt for reflux, or detachable to transform into a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat for storage or comes with a bag. It's also worth looking into how much the model costs and what bedding is included - it's usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
New mothers are enthralled by the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside, which allow them to monitor their baby during night feeds and changing nappy without having to get out of the bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from a c-section or other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
The best crib is contingent on your needs and lifestyle. Be aware of safety features and if you are able to lift your baby from the crib to feed or soothe them. Also, consider whether the crib comes with additional features, like rocking features. Also, look at the size and the height of your bed and check that any crib you select can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, but they do have some great features, such as breathable mesh and see through sides, reflux incline option and an adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It's available in three colours and comes with stylish oak legs, which means it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be lowered in the daytime to allow you to hold your baby and sleep in a safe manner however, they are raised at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, but one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to operate initially.
Any bedding you use in a bedside crib must be fitted properly and must not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation hazards. This is why a lot of cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can find suitable sheets at most stores. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they are likely to wear out and become worse with age and increase the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to transport from room to rooms, or to take on trips on. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit into the carry bag, meaning you can easily take them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first 6 months with an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.
The model you pick the crib that you choose for your bed could have features that make it more convenient. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test swivels, and can be adjusted in the height so that it is easier for you reach in and pick up your child. The model also has a sidewall that dips down, which an MFM home tester reported gave an easy access to hold their infant.
Certain models come with additional features like a rocking function (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are beneficial for children with an illness that causes reflux, but your newborn should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
Think about how easy it is to clean the model. Check whether the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a mattress protector with waterproof properties, which will protect from leaky nappies, infant sick or spills. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to assemble and how compact when folded away. Check if it's easy to attach to your bed, and if it comes with a bag for travel. Consider if the product has extras such as a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. bedside cot used can be useful when travelling.