Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great choice if you want your baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They adhere to the strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home test subjects love that this crib rotates 360deg to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep your baby close throughout the night without putting them at risk of overheating or suffocating. They can be attached to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your infant during the night. They're perfect for mothers recovering from a c-section. There are a lot of things to consider prior to purchasing one.
When you're looking for a crib that is bedside, ensure you're buying one that meets current safety standards. Many older cribs have been recalled due to the fact that they let children fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Check that the crib you select meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be introduced in November 2020.
The most significant change to the new rules is that bedside cribs can not be made with completely drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to lay beside your bed, but provide a more protective barrier because they sink a little beneath your mattress. All of the models on our list conform to these new requirements, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
It's also important to ensure that the crib you're looking at is able to attach securely to your bed and is anchored correctly. This is particularly important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system, such as the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards.
It is also important to remember that a crib is intended to sleep and should not be used with any bedding or other accessories, like blankets, pillows toys or toys for stuffed animals. The official safe sleep guidelines from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only sleep in their own sleeping space, in their own crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other type of mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of bed-sharing, which could increase the likelihood 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 safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have slats that are wide and open enough to allow for air flow. You can also move the window or door as you need. This makes it easy to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to carry around the house. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include a mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height that it is in line with the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be very beneficial to you, particularly if you are recovering from a C-section.
Some 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 toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat to store, or comes with a bag. Check the price and see what bedding comes with the crib. It is often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
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 having to get out of bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from c-section or other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and preferences. Be aware of safety features and whether you are able to remove your baby from the crib to feed or calm them. Also, check whether bedside cot reviews comes with extras, such as a rocking feature. Examine the height and size of your bed to make sure that the crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they have great features, such as the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, reflux incline option and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and comes with stylish oak legs, so it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold, and comes with a convenient bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to let you hold your baby during the daytime and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience However, they will come back up at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, although one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use initially.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed must fit properly and must not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation risks. A majority of cribs come with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they are likely to wear out and deteriorate with time increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room room or to take along on holidays. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit into bags, so you can easily bring them with you on short trips.
Convenience

Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without worrying about them falling off the bed or suffocating. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend that you only sleep with them for the first 6 months and then have an additional mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick, bedside cribs can include features that enhance their ease of use. 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 into the crib and pick up your little one. This model has a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester said that this provided her with have a'simple access" to soothe their child.
Some models include additional features for example, the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux, but be aware that your baby should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be washed by machine and if it comes with a waterproof mattress protector that will shield you from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include the ease with which it can assemble and how compact it is when folded away. Check if it's easy to connect to your bed and if it comes with a bag to take it with you on your travels. Additionally, take note of whether it has extras like a tummy tilt or the option of turning it into moses baskets for older children. This is a great option for traveling.