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 perfect choice. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favored among home testers since it can be adjusted to suit your bed's height and rotates all 360 degrees for easy access. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
amazon bedside cot cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without risk of suffering from suffocation. They are attached to your bed, which means you can reach out to soothe or feed your child in the middle night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. There are a lot of things to think about before purchasing one.
When choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, make sure that the crib you pick is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled because they let children fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of 2020.
The biggest change in the new regulations is that Bedside Co Sleeper Cot cribs may no longer have completely drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to sleep on your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier as they sink below the mattress. All of the models we have listed meet these new requirements. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Award 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 correctly. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, such as 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 the crib is intended for sleeping purposes and should not be used with any bedding or other accessories, like pillows, blankets, toys or stuffed animals. Official safe sleep advice from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only sleep in their own sleeping space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any other mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and soothe your baby during the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, easy to use and comfortable for your infant baby and babies until 6 months old.
The best bedside cot uk models feature good airflow, with slats that are open and wide enough to allow air flow. They also feature an opening or window that you can roll up or down when needed. This makes it easier to change your baby's diaper, nurse them or monitor them throughout the night. Some models include a swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
You'll want a mattress that is light and compact when folded so it's easy to move around the house or take away with you. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one end is useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is flat, firm and airy. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to the bed's height. Particularly if you're recovering from C-section surgery A bedside crib that has an adjustable height can give you a better chances of getting in and out of bed quickly, especially during the early days of healing.
Certain models have additional features that could be beneficial for parents, like a tummy tilt for reflux, or detachable to become a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage, or comes with bags. It's also worth checking how much the model costs and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to purchase additional sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great option for new mums. They let them keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a csection or when recovering from other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and requirements. Be aware of safety features and whether you are able to remove your baby from the crib to feed or soothe them. Also, check whether the crib comes with extras, like a rocking feature. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that any crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they have excellent features, including the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and has smart oak legs, so it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be lowered in the daytime to allow the baby to be held and sleep safely, but are raised again at the 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 initially.
Any bedding you use in a bedside crib should be a good fit and should not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation dangers. Most cribs are equipped with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. It's a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they can be worn down and degrade over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or carry when you go on vacation. The best bedside cot for twins cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag to allow you to take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to see your baby without worrying about them falling off the bed or suffocating. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first 6 months, with a separate mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.
The model you choose the bedside crib could come with features that make it more comfortable. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test swivels, and can be adjusted in the height so that it is easier to reach and pick your child up. The model also has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester said gave her "easy access" to comfort their baby.
Some models have additional extras, such as a rocking function (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby bedside sleeper has a condition that causes reflux, but remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a fabric be aware of how easy it will be to clean. Check whether the fabric is machine washable and if there's a mattress protector that is waterproof that will shield you from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have an upholstered sheet, which allows you to wash and change it.
Consider the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Make sure it's easy to connect to your bed, and if it has a bag to use to take it with you on your travels. Check if the product comes with extras such as a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when traveling.