Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for the night without any fuss A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the ideal choice. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favorite among home testers because it can be adjusted to fit your bed height and swivels a full 360 degrees for easy access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by during the night without risking suffocation or overheating. They can be attached to your bed, which means you can reach out to soothe or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mums recovering after an c-section. There are a lot of things to consider before investing in one.
When shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're choosing one that meets current safety standards. Many older cribs were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed 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 regulations prohibit bedside cribs from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, many models come with 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lie next to your bed but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking slightly lower than your mattress. All of the models on our list meet the new standards, 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 anchored properly. This is particularly important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper, 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 is crucial to remember that a crib is only designed for sleeping and should not be used with bedding or other items like pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should only sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child in close proximity during the night, without having to take the possibility that they could be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and soothe your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies up to 6 months old.
The top models offer good airflow with slats wide enough and open enough to let air flow. They also feature a door and/or window that can be folded up or down as needed. It is simple to change your baby's diaper and nurse them or monitor them at the end of the night. Some models also come with a swaddle sack to help you with a safe sleep routine.
It should be small and light in its fold so that it is easy to transport around the house. It must also be easy to clean, and come 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 bed come with mattresses, while others have to buy separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height that it matches the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be very beneficial to you, particularly when you are recovering from a C section.
Some models include useful extras, like a tummy-tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage, or comes with a bag. It's also worth checking the cost of the crib and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to buy separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
New mothers love the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to monitor their baby during night feedings and nappy changes without having to get out of the bed. They also help babies settle after c-section, or when recovering from other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
Choosing the best bedside crib for you depends on your requirements and lifestyle. Take into consideration the 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, such as a rocking feature. Also, take a look at the dimensions and the height of your bed and ensure that the crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, however they have great features, such as the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, incline options for reflux 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, so it will fit right into your bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy 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 for safer co-sleeping however, they appear again at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation dangers. Most cribs are equipped with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that fit in most retailers. Avoid travel bedside crib from secondhand stores because they will wear out and degrade with time and increase the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room room or take with you during holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning you can easily bring them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you observe your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the mattress or suffocating. However, it's important to remember that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your child for the first six months with a separate bed in the same space, to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick the crib that you choose for your bed could come with features that make it more practical. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test can swivel and can be adjusted in height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to soothe their infant.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking feature (great for fussy babies) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are helpful in the event that your child suffers from an illness that causes reflux, but your infant should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washed and if it comes with a mattress protector that is waterproof that protects you from leaky nappies, baby 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. Check if the bed is simple to attach and if there's an included bag to travel with. Additionally, take note of whether it comes with extras such as tilting your tummy or the possibility of turning it into a moses basket for older babies - this can be useful for travelling.