Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

A bedside crib co sleeper is a great choice for parents who want their baby close by for fuss-free nighttime feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.

Home testers love that this crib swivels 360deg to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.

Safety

bedside sleeper cot cribs are a great way to keep baby close by during the night without risking suffocation or overheating. They attach to the sides of your bed so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your baby in the middle of the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. There's plenty to think about before you purchase one.

If you're shopping for a bedside crib make sure you're looking at an item that is in line with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Check that your chosen model meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November of 2020.

The new rules forbid cribs for bedside cots for newborns use from having sides that completely fall down. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to sleep next to your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier as they sink beneath your 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 Awards 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 properly. This is especially important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper, such as the free-standing Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby awards.

It's also important to remember that the crib is intended for sleeping purposes and should not be used with bedding or accessories, like blankets, pillows toys, or toys for 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 cribs or cots and not on an adult's bed, or any other type or soft furnishings.

Comfort

A bedside crib travel cot crib will allow you to keep your child in close proximity at night, without the danger that they might be shared with other babies. This can increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and babies as young as 6 months old.

The best models feature excellent breathability and slats that are open and wide enough to allow air flow. They also have a door and/or window that can be folded up or down when needed. It is simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or examine them at night. Some models even come with the swaddle sack, which can help you with a safe sleep routine.

You want a model that is light and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around the house or take away with you. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store spare nappies and baby bedside sleeper clothes.

Some cribs for bedside use a mattress, while others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is supple, flat and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they could increase the risk of SIDS.

Find a crib that can be adjusted to fit the bed's height. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be extremely beneficial to you, particularly when you are recovering from a C Section.

Certain models have additional features that are useful, such as a tummy tilt for reflux, or detach to make a moses' basket and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rock and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. Find out the price and what bedding is included with the crib. It is often necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.

Style

Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow mothers to monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from a C-section or any other medical issue like colic or reflux.

The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and needs. Apart from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you'd like to be capable of lifting your child from the crib to feed them or comfort them, and if it has any additional features, such as a rocking function. Also, take a look at the dimensions and height of your bed and check that any crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.

Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, but they still have amazing features, like air-tight mesh, see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and has smart oak legs, which means it's perfect for your bedroom. Plus, it's easy to put together and fold and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.

Some cribs have side panels that lower down to allow you to touch your baby during the day and for safer co-sleeping However, they will pop up again at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.

The bedding you put in a bedside crib must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation dangers. This is the reason that many cribs come with a fitted mattress, but you can find suitable sheets at most stores. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores as they can become worn out and become worse with age, increasing the chance of SIDS.

Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or to take along during holidays. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, meaning they are easy to take along for short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs let you see your baby without worrying about them rolling off the mattress or suffocating. However, it's important to keep in mind that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your baby for the first six months - with an additional bed in the same room, to lower the chance of SIDS.

Based on the model you pick, bedside cribs can include features that enhance their ease of use. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and is adjustable in the height to make it easier to reach and pick your child up. The model also has a sidewall that dips down, which an MFM home tester described as giving an easy access to comfort their baby.

Some models have extra features like a rocking feature (great for fussy babies) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are beneficial for children with a condition which causes reflux, but your infant should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.

Consider how easy it is be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable and comes with a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.

Take into consideration the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Make sure the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with an included bag for travel. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as a tummy tilt or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older children - this could be helpful for travel.