Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close to you for fuss-free feeding at night, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the ideal choice. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access and features an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close at night without risk of suffocation. They are attached to your bed, which means you can reach out and help or feed your child during the middle of night. They're also great for mothers recovering from having a c-section. However, there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.
When choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, be sure that the crib you pick conforms to current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were removed due to the risk of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November of 2020.
The new regulations prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, most models feature half-height walls that allow your baby to lay close to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than the mattress. All models on our list 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 Awards 2017.
It's also important to ensure that the crib you're considering is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is secured correctly. bedside co sleeper is particularly important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper like the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It is crucial to remember that a crib is only meant for sleeping, and should not be used with bedding or accessories such as toys, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animal. Official safe sleep advice from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should rest in their own bed space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any other type of mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child in close proximity during the night, without having to take the risk that they may 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 during the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models feature good breathability with slats wide enough to let air flow. They also feature windows or doors that can be rolled up or down when needed. This makes it simple to change your baby's diapers, nurse him or check on them throughout the night. Some models include an swaddle bag that can aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be small and light in its fold so that it is easy to transport around the home. It should also be easy to clean, with an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on one side is useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress, while others must purchase separately. Be sure the mattress is firm, flat, and breathable. Avoid using second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height that it matches the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be very beneficial for you, particularly if you recovering from a C-section.
Certain models have additional features that can be useful like tilting the tummy for reflux, or detach to make a moses' basket and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib is rocking and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth determining the price and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to purchase additional sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
New mothers love the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside, which allow them to keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and changing nappy without having to get out of bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after c-section, or when recovering from other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
Choosing the best bedside crib is contingent on your needs and lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be able to lift your child out of the crib to feed them or calm them and if it comes with any additional features, such as a rocking function. Check bedside co sleeper and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, but they still have amazing features, like the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and features stylish oak legs, which means it's perfect for your bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to let you hold your baby during the day, and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience However, they will come back up 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 at first.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed must fit properly and should not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation dangers. Most cribs are equipped with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they may be worn out and become deteriorated over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to transport from room to space, or take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in bags so that you can transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without worrying about them rolling off the bed or suffocating. But, it's important to note that official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your child for the first six months with a separate bed in the same room to lower the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick, bedside cribs can feature features that increase their ease of use. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test can swivel and can be adjusted in the height so that it is easier to reach and pick up your child. The model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester described as giving an easy access to soothe their baby.
Some models have additional extras for example, a rocking function (useful for fussy babies) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are useful if your child has a condition which triggers reflux, however your infant should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a model take into consideration the ease to clean. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector to keep away leaky nappies and dribbles. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include the ease with which it can build and how compact it is when folded away. Check if the bed is simple to attach and if there's a bag included for travel. Take note of additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the possibility of converting it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when traveling.