Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close for an easy nighttime feeding, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the ideal choice. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
best bedside cot for newborn cots4tots is a favorite among home testers because it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels to 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without risk of suffocation. They attach to your bed, so you can reach out to help or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. There's plenty to consider before you invest in one.
When choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, ensure that the crib you pick meets current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalled because they permit children to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure the crib you are considering meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November of 2020.
The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs may not be made with completely drop-down sides. Instead, many models come with half-height walls that allow your baby to lie next to your bed but offer a more secure barrier by sinking a little lower than the mattress. All models on our list meet these new requirements. 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 worth checking if the crib you're looking at is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is secured correctly. This is particularly important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper such as 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 important to remember that a crib is only intended for sleep and is not meant to be used with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets, toys or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should only sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed for an adult, or any other kind of soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child close during the night, without having to take the danger that they might be shared with other babies. This could increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach out to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed during the middle of the night. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your infant baby and babies up until 6 months of age.
The top models offer good breathability and slats that are open and wide enough to allow airflow. You can also roll up and down the window or door according to your needs. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby, nurse them, or examine them at night. Some models also come with an swaddle bag to assist you with a safe sleep routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around your home or take away with you. It should also be easy to clean, with the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. A pocket on one end is handy to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase one separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is firm, flat and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to match the bed's height. Particularly if you're recovering C-section surgery A bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a better chances of getting in and out of bed easily, especially during the early days of healing.
Certain models come with useful features, like an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Other things to consider are whether the crib rocks, folds down to lie flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. Look at the cost and find out what bedding is included in the crib. It is often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
New moms appreciate the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and changing nappy without having to get out of the bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from a c-section or other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and needs. Be aware of safety features and whether you can lift your baby from the crib to feed or soothe them. Also, consider if the crib has any extras, like a rocking feature. Check the height and size of your bed to make sure that the crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're packed with fantastic features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, as well as reflux incline options and an adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with elegant oak legs that make it a great fit for any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to allow you to touch your baby during the day and for safer co-sleeping However, they will appear again at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use for the first time.
It is essential to ensure that the bedding you use to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other openings, which could cause the suffocation. This is why a lot of 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 degrade with time increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room to room or carry on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in bags so that you can take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and newborns because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the fear of them falling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. But, it's important to keep in mind that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby during the first six months - with an additional bed in the same room to lower the risk of SIDS.
Depending on which model you choose the bedside crib could include features that make it more practical. For example one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach in and take your baby. This model has a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester said that this provided her with 'easy access" to soothe their child.
Some models come with extras like a rocking feature (great for fussy babies) 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, be aware that your baby should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a model, consider the ease to clean. Find out if the fabric can be machine washed and if it has a mattress protector with waterproof properties that protects you from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other things to consider are the ease with which it can put together and how compact when folded away. Check if the bed is easy to attach and if there's an included bag to carry it on the road. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as tilting your tummy or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older babies - this is a great option for traveling.