Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great choice when you want your baby to be close for a peaceful evening feeding. 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 suit your bed's height and rotates a full 360 degrees for easy access. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without the risk of suffering from suffocation. They attach to your bed, so you can reach out and soothe or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from having a c-section. But there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.
When shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're looking at a model that complies with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Check that your chosen model meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of 2020.
The new rules prohibit cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, many models come with 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to sleep next to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than the 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 both of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
It's also worth checking that the crib you're looking at is able to attach securely to your bed and is anchored correctly. This is particularly 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 and Baby Awards.
It's important to keep in mind that a crib is intended for sleep and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other items like toys, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animal. Official safe sleep advice from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only sleep in their own sleeping space in their crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows 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 risk of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach over and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your new baby and babies up until 6 months old.
The best models feature good airflow, with slats that are open and wide enough to allow air flow. You can also move the door or window depending on your needs. It is simple to change your baby's diaper or nurse them, or examine their sleep at night. Some models also include an swaddle bag to assist you sleep in a safe routine.
It should be compact and light in its fold so that it is easy to transport around the home. It must also be easy to clean, with a a removable and washable mattress cover. The pocket at one end can be used to store spare diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress and others you have to buy separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height so that it is in line with the height of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be extremely beneficial for you, particularly in the event that you are recovering from a C Section.
Some models include useful extras, such as a tummy-tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat to store, or comes with bags. It's also worth determining the price and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to purchase additional sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
New mums love the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that allow them to monitor their baby during feedings at night and changing nappy without having to get out of the bed. They also help babies settle after a csection or when recovering from other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
Choosing the best bedside crib for you depends on your preferences and lifestyle. Consider the safety features and if you are able to remove your baby from the crib to feed them or calm them. Also, check whether the crib is equipped with extras, such as a rocking feature. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that the crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be cheaper than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're still loaded with great features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs to make it a great fit for any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to let you hold your baby during the day and for a safer co-sleeping environment, but then pop up again at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
You should make sure that the bedding you use for a crib next to a bed is properly fitted. There shouldn't be gaps or other gaps, which could lead to suffocation. Most cribs are equipped with mattresses. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses, which may be worn out and become deteriorated over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to move from room space, or take on trips on. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag so that you can take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to look at your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend that you only sleep with them for the first six month and then have an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the risk of SIDS.
Depending on which model you choose the crib that you choose for your bed could have features that make it more practical. For example, one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach inside and take your baby. The model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which an MFM home tester reported gave her "easy access" to hold their infant.
Certain models come with additional features like a rocking feature (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These can be useful to use if your baby is suffering from an illness that causes reflux. However, remember that your newborn should rest on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it is be to clean the model. Check if the fabric is machine washable and has a waterproof protector to keep away leaky nappies and dribbles. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Consider whether it is easy to connect to your bed and whether it comes with a bag for travel. Additionally, take bedside crib co sleeper of whether it has additional features like tilting your tummy or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older children - this can be useful for travelling.