Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great option for parents who want their baby close to you for a relaxed evening feeding. These co-sleepers are a safer 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 among home testers since it is adjustable to match the bed's height, and it swivels a full 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach out to soothe or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from having a c-section. However, there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.
If you're searching for a crib to place beside your bed, make sure that the crib you pick is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A number of cribs from the past were recalls due to the danger of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Make sure the crib you are considering meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of 2020.
The new rules forbid cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to lie on your bed, but provide a more protective barrier because they sink a little below your mattress. All of the models on our list comply with these new requirements and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were 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 secured correctly. This is particularly crucial if you intend 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 for the Mother&Baby awards.
It's also important to keep in mind that a crib should only be used to sleep and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets, toys or stuffed animals. The official safe sleep guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only 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 for bedside use allows you to keep your child in close proximity throughout the night, without the possibility that they could be shared with other babies. This can 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 great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your infant baby and infants up to 6 months of age.
The best models feature good breathability, with slats that are wide enough to allow air flow. You can also roll up and down the door or window as you need. It is simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or examine them at the end of the night. Some models include an swaddle bag that can help you create a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded so that it is easy to carry around the house. It must also be easy to clean, and come with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on the other side can be useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include the mattress, while other require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure the mattress is flat, firm, and breathable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering a C-section, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a better chance of getting into and out of bed with ease particularly in the early weeks when you're still healing.
Certain models come with useful extras, such as an adjustable tummy tilt for 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 for storage, or comes with bags. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to buy separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
New moms love the convenience of bedside cribs that allow them to monitor their baby during night feeds and nappy changes without getting out of the bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a c-section or when recovering from other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
Choosing the best bedside crib for you depends on your requirements and lifestyle. Be aware of safety features and if you can lift your baby from the crib to feed them or calm them. Also, make sure to check whether the crib is equipped with additional features, like rocking features. Also, take a look at the size and the height of your bed, and check that any crib you select can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically more affordable than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled - they're still packed with fantastic features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, as well as reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It comes in three colors and has smart oak legs, which means it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also easy to put together, fold and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to allow you to touch your baby during the daytime and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience, but then 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 had difficulty getting it to operate initially.
You should ensure that the bedding used for a crib beside a bedside is fitted properly. There should be no gaps or other openings that could lead to the suffocation. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores as they can become worn out and degrade with time increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room to room or take with you during holidays. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit in a carry bag to allow you to take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and newborns because they allow you to see your baby at night without the risk of them falling off the mattress or suffocating. It is 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 six months with a separate 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 can swivel and is adjustable in height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. bedside cot sale has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester said gave an easy access to soothe their baby.
Certain models come with additional features like the ability to rock (useful for fussy babies) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are useful in the event that your child suffers from an illness that triggers reflux, however your newborn should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Check whether the fabric can be washed by machine and if there's a mattress protector with waterproof properties, which will protect from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Think about the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Check if the bed is easy to attach and if there's bags included to travel with. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as tilting your tummy or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older children - this can be useful for travelling.