Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for an easy nighttime feeding, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the ideal choice. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home test subjects love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees to make it easy to access and has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It folds up easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep your baby close at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They attach to your bed so that you can reach out and help or feed your child during the middle of night. They're also great for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. There are a lot of things to consider before investing in one.
If you are choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, make sure that the crib you select is safe and meets the current standards for safety. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of 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 most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs will no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, best bedside cot uk come with half-height walls, which still allow your baby to lay next to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than the mattress. All of the models we have listed are in compliance with these new standards. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Award 2017
It's also worth checking if the crib you're looking at is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is secured correctly. This is especially crucial if you plan 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 also important to remember that the crib should only be used to sleep and should not be used with any bedding or other accessories, like pillows, blankets, toys or animals that are stuffed. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should only sleep in their crib or cot and not on an adult's bed, or any other type of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of bed-sharing which can increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies up to 6 months old.
The best models feature good breathability with slats open and wide enough to allow air flow. You can also roll up and down the door or window according to your needs. It's easy to change the diaper of your baby, nurse them, or check on their sleep at the end of the night. Some models include the swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light in its fold so that it is easy to transport around the home. It is also easy to clean, with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on one end is handy for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include a mattress, while others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is flat, firm and airy. Avoid using second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height to ensure that it matches the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height can be extremely beneficial to you, particularly in the event that you are recovering from a C-section.
Some models come with useful extras, such as the tummy-tilt feature to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses' basket that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib rocks or folds down to lay flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth checking how much the model costs and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to purchase separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for mothers who are new. They allow mothers to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes, without getting out of the bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from a C-section or any other medical issue such as colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib for you depends on your preferences and your lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, consider whether you'd like to be able to get your child from the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it comes with any additional features, such as the ability to rock. Also, take a look at the size and the height of your bed and check that any crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're still loaded with fantastic features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs that make it a great fit for any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble, fold and comes with a handy bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be removed in the daytime to allow the baby to be held and sleep safely however, they are raised at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use for the first time.
You must ensure that the bedding you use for a crib next to a bedside is fitted properly. There should be no gaps or other openings, that could lead to the suffocation. That's why many cribs come with a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most stores. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they will wear out and become worse with age increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room to room or take with you during holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, meaning you can easily take them to short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for new babies and parents because they allow you to see your baby at night without the fear of them falling off your mattress or getting suffocated. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first 6 months and then have a separate mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.
The model you pick the crib that you choose for your bed could have features that make it more practical. For example, one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height, making it easy to reach into the crib and pick up your child. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this allowed her to gain access" to help their child.
Some models include additional features for example, the ability to rock (useful for fussy babies) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These may be handy to use if your baby is suffering from a condition that causes reflux but be aware that your baby should sleep on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
Think about how easy it is be to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and has a waterproof protector to keep away leaky nappies and drips. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet that makes it easier for you to change it and wash it.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Be sure to check if it is easy to attach and if there's an included bag to carry it on the road. Also, think about if it comes with extras such as a tummy tilt or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older babies - this is a great option for traveling.