Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close to you for an easy nighttime feeding, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the ideal choice. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They adhere to the strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home test subjects love that this crib swivels 360deg to make it easy to access and comes with an adjustable mattress to match your bed. It folds up easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep your baby close during the night without risking suffocation or overheating. They can be attached to your bed so that you can reach out to help or feed your child during the middle of the night. They're also great for mums recovering after having a c-section. There are many things to think about before purchasing one.
When looking for a crib to put next to your bed, ensure that the crib you select conforms to current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were removed 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 are considering meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November of 2020.
The new rules prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to lie on your bed, but also offer a more secure protection since they are a bit beneath the mattress. All of our models 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 Award 2017
Check that the crib is securely affixed to your bed, and that it is securely fixed. This is particularly important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system, such as the 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 keep in mind that the crib should only be used for sleeping and should never be used with bedding or other accessories, like blankets, pillows toys, or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines that state that babies should sleep only in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type of soft furniture.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close during the night, without having to take the possibility that they could be shared with other babies. This could increase the risk of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get up. travel cot bedside 's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical, and comfortable for your infant baby and babies until 6 months old.
The best models come with slats that are wide and wide enough to allow air flow. They also feature a door and/or window that you can roll up or down depending on the need. This makes it easy to change your baby's diapers, nurse him or check on them throughout the night. Some models include an swaddle bag that can 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 your home or to take with you on your travels. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on one side can be useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include a mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed specifically for your model and is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to match the bed's height. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be very beneficial to you, particularly when you are recovering from a C section.
Certain models come with additional features that could be beneficial, such as tilting the tummy for reflux, or detachable to make a moses' basket and later toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, can be folded flat to store, or comes with bags. Look at the cost and find out what bedding comes with the crib. It is common to purchase separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style

Bedside cribs are a great option for new mums. They let them monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without getting out of bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a csection or in the aftermath of other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
Choosing the best bedside crib for you depends on your requirements and your lifestyle. In addition to the obvious safety features, consider whether you want to be capable of lifting your child out of the crib to feed them or soothe them, and if it has any extras such as rocking functions. Also, consider the dimensions and height of your bed and ensure that the crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, however they still have great features, such as the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs to make it a great fit for any bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be lower during the day, allowing you to hold your baby and sleep in a safe manner, but are raised again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, though one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use at first.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation hazards. That's why many cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can find suitable sheets at most stores. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they are likely to wear out and deteriorate with time increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or to take along when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit into a carry bag, so you can easily take them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and babies as they let you see 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 safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby for the first six months with an additional bed in the same room, to lower the risk of SIDS.
The model you choose, the bedside crib may come with features that make it more practical. For instance, one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height, making it easy for you to reach in and pick up your little one. The model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which an MFM home tester reported gave her "easy access" to soothe their infant.
Some models have additional extras for example, a rocking feature (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful for children with a condition that triggers reflux, however your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a fabric, consider the ease to clean. Check whether the fabric can be machine washed and if there's a mattress protector that is waterproof that protects you from leaky nappies, baby sick or dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet, which allows you to change it and wash it.
Other things to consider are how easy it is to assemble and how compact it is when folded away. Check if it's easy to attach to your bed and if it has a bag to use to take it with you on your travels. Take note of additional features like a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when travelling.