Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great choice when you want your baby to be close for a peaceful evening feeding. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love that this crib rotates 360deg to make it easy to access and has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of suffering from suffocation. They attach to the side of your bed so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your infant in the middle of the night, and they're suitable for mothers who are recovering from an op. However, there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.
If you're choosing a crib to place beside your bed, ensure that the crib you pick meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalled due to the risk of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Make sure the crib you select is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be in place in November 2020.
The biggest change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs may not be made with completely drop-down sides. Instead, the majority of models have 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lay close to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a little lower than the mattress. All of the models in our list comply with these new requirements and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Check that the crib is securely affixed to your bed and that it is properly anchored. This is particularly 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 important to remember that a crib is intended for sleep and should not be used with bedding or accessories such as blankets, toys, pillows, or stuffed animal. Official advice for safe sleep from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should rest in their own bed space, in their own crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other type of mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close during the night, without having to take the risk that they may be shared with another baby. This can increase the risk of SIDS. bedside cot newborn can also reach over to comfort your baby without getting out of bed in the middle night. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies as young as 6 months old.
The best models come with slats that are wide and open enough to allow air circulation. They also come with a door and/or window that can be rolled up or down depending on the need. This makes it easy to nurse, change your baby or check on them during the night. Some models include a swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded so it's easy to move around the house or to take with you on your travels. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra baby clothes and nappies.
Some cribs with a bed come with mattresses, while others need to purchase separately. Be sure the mattress is flat, firm and breathable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it is in line with the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a greater chance of getting into and out of bed quickly especially in the initial days of recovering.
Some models have extra features that can be useful, such as a tummy tilt for reflux, or detach to become a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Other things 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. Find out the price and what bedding is included with the crib. It is often necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
New moms are enthralled by the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that allow them to keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and nappy changes without getting out of bed. They also help babies settle after c-section, or in the aftermath of other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and requirements. Be aware of safety features and if you are able to remove your baby from the crib to feed them or soothe them. Also, check if the crib has any extras, such as rocking capabilities. Also, take a look at the dimensions and the height of your bed and make sure that the crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're still loaded with fantastic features like air-tight mesh and transparent sides, reflux incline options and an adjustable height. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It comes in three colors and has smart oak legs, which means it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be removed during the day, allowing you to hold your baby and sleep in a safe manner and then raised at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use at first.
You must make sure that the bedding you use to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other openings, which could lead to an air suffocation. This is the reason that many cribs come with mattresses that are fitted, but you can find suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they are prone to wear and degrade over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room to room or take with you during holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, to allow you to transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the mattress or suffocating. However, it's important to remember that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your child for the first six months with an additional bed in the same room, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model you choose, bedside cribs may include features that enhance their ease of use. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test swivels, and is adjustable in the height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester reported gave her "easy access" to soothe their baby.
Some models come with extras like a rocking function (great for fussy babies) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby suffers from a condition that causes reflux, but be aware that your baby should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a fabric, consider how easy it will be to keep clean. Find out if the fabric is machine washable and if it has a waterproof mattress protector, which will protect from leaky nappies, baby sick or spills. Some cribs with a bedside have an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier to change and wash it.
Other things to consider are the ease with which it can assemble and how compact it is when folded away. Check if the bed is easy to put together and if it comes with a bag included for travel. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when travelling.