Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close to you for fuss-free feeding at night, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the ideal choice. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love the fact that the crib can rotate 360 degrees to make it easy to access and has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep your baby close at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They can be attached to your bed, so you can reach out to soothe or feed your child in the middle night. They're also great for mums recovering after a c section. But there's a lot to consider before purchasing one.
If you're choosing a crib to put next to your bed, make sure that the crib you pick is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A number of cribs from the past were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Check that the crib you choose meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be launched in November 2020.
The most significant change to the new regulations is that bedside cribs can no longer have completely drop-down sides. Most cribs have "half height walls that allow your child to sleep on your bed, but offer a more secure barrier as they sink beneath your mattress. All of the models on 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.
It's also worth checking that the crib you're looking at is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is secured correctly. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper, like the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It's also important to remember that a crib should only be used to sleep and should not be used with any bedding or accessories like pillows, blankets toys, or animals that are stuffed. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should only sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close at night, without the risk that they may be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and babies as young as 6 months old.
The most effective models have good airflow and slats that are wide enough and open enough to let air flow. You can also roll up and down the door or window according to your needs. This makes it easier to change your baby's diapers, nurse him or check on them during the night. Some models even come with a swaddle sack to help you to have a secure sleep routine.
It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the home. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one end is useful to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with mattresses, while others have to buy separately. Make sure the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is supple, flat and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height that it matches the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height can be very beneficial for you, particularly in the event that you recovering from a C section.
Some 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. Check if the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage, or comes with a bag. It's also worth looking into the price and the bedding included - it's often necessary to purchase separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
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 diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from C-section or any other medical issue like colic or reflux.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Aside from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be capable of lifting your child out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it comes with additional features like a rocking function. Also, take a look at the size and the height of your bed and make sure that the crib you pick can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they do have some excellent features, including air-tight mesh, see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with elegant oak legs that fit into any bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to fold and assemble and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to allow you to touch your baby during the daytime and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience however, they appear again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, although one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to operate initially.
travel bedside crib choose to use in a bedside crib should be a good fit and not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation hazards. This is the reason that many cribs come with a fitted mattress, but you can find suitable sheets at most retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they will wear out and degrade with time and increase the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room to room, or to take on trips on. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag so that you can transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and newborns because they allow you to see your baby at night without the fear of them falling off your mattress or suffocating. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend that you only sleep with them for the first six months with a separate mattress in the same room to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you select, bedside cribs could feature features that increase their convenience. For example, one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height, making it easy to reach into the crib and take your baby. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester said gave her "easy access" to soothe their infant.
Some models have additional extras like the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These can be useful to use if your baby is suffering from a condition that causes reflux, but remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Check if the fabric is machine washable and has a waterproof protector that can protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet, which makes it easier to change and wash it.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Be sure to check if the bed is simple to attach and if there's an included bag to travel with. Lastly, consider if it has extras like a tummy tilt or the option of turning it into a moses basket for older babies - this could be helpful for travel.