Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for the night without any fuss A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the best option. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love that this crib rotates 360deg for easy access and comes with an adjustable mattress to fit your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close at night without the risk of suffering from suffocation. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach out to help or feed your child in the middle night. They are also ideal for mums recovering after an c-section. But there's a lot to think about before purchasing one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib ensure you're buying a model that complies with current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November of 2020.
The new rules prohibit bedside cribs from having sides that completely fall down. Most cribs have "half height' walls, which still allow your child to sleep next to your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier since they are a bit beneath 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 that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Make sure that the crib is securely affixed to your bed and that it is properly secured. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleep 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 is also important to remember that the crib is intended for sleeping and should never be used with bedding or other accessories, such as pillows, blankets toys, or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep advice that states that infants should only sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type of soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child close throughout the night, without the risk that they may be shared with other babies. This can increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach over to comfort your baby without getting out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies as young as 6 months old.
The best models feature good breathability, with slats that are wide enough to allow air flow. They also feature an opening or window that can be rolled up or down depending on the need. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or examine their sleep at the end of the night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded so that it is easy to transport around the home. It is also easy to clean, with a a removable and washable mattress cover. A pocket on one side can be useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with mattresses, while others need to purchase separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid using second-hand mattresses, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering a C-section, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a greater chances of getting in and out of bed easily especially in the initial weeks of healing.
Certain models come with useful features, like the tummy-tilt feature for reflux or a detachable moses bin which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat to store, or comes with a bag. It's also worth checking how much the model costs and what bedding is included - it's usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
New moms appreciate the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside, which allow them to keep an eye on baby during night feedings and nappy changes without having to get out of bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a c-section or when recovering from other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and requirements. Take into consideration the safety features and if you are able to remove your baby from the crib in order to feed or calm them. Also, check if the crib has any extras, such as a rocking feature. Also, consider the size and the height of your bed and make sure that the crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically more affordable than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're still loaded with amazing features, including air-tight mesh and transparent sides, reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs that fit into any bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to fold and assemble, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to allow you to touch your baby during the day, and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience, but then come back up at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, though one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
The bedding you choose to use in a bedside crib should be a good fit and must not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation risks. That's why many cribs come with mattresses that are fitted, but you can find suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores as they can become worn out and degrade with time, increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to transport from room to space, or take on trips on. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit into bags so that you can transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for new babies and parents as they let you see your baby at night without the danger of them rolling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend that you only sleep with them for the first six month with an additional mattress in the same space to minimize 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 swivels, and can be adjusted in the height so that it is easier for you reach in and pick your child up. This model has a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester said that this gave her have a'simple access" to comfort their child.
Some models have extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings that help with reflux. cots4tots are useful for children with a condition that causes reflux, but your newborn should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it is be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable and if it has a waterproof protector that can guard against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet that makes it easier to change it and wash it.
Other factors to consider include the ease with which it can put together and how compact it is when folded away. Be sure to check if the bed is simple to attach and if there's a bag included to travel with. Check if the product comes with additional features like a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful for those who travel.