Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?

If you want to keep your baby close for the night without any fuss, a crib with a co-sleeper at the 4-in-1 bedside crib is the ideal choice. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They follow official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.

Home testers love the fact that this crib swivels 360deg for easy access and features an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It folds up easily and comes with a travel bedside crib bag for trips away from home.

Safety

Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close at night without the risk of suffocation. They are attached to the sides of your bed so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child during the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from the c-section. There are a lot of things to consider before investing in one.

When you're looking for a crib that is bedside cot 6 months plus, make sure you're choosing an item that is in line with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled because they let children fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure the crib you are considering is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November 2020.

The new rules prohibit cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, the majority of models have half-height walls, which still allow your baby to sleep next to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier by sinking a little lower than the mattress. All of our models 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 Awards 2017.

Verify that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is correctly anchored. This is particularly important if you plan to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, such as the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.

It is crucial to remember, too, that a crib is intended for sleep and should not be used with bedding or other items like pillows, blankets, toys or stuffed animals. 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 for an adult, or any other type or soft furnishings.

Comfort

A Bedside Crib With Changing Table crib allows you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of bed-sharing, which can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to comfort your baby without getting out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies as young as 6 months old.

The most effective models have slats which are wide and spacious enough to allow for air flow. You can also move the door or window depending on your needs. This makes it simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them or check on them throughout the night. Some models also include the swaddle sack, which can help you sleep in a safe routine.

It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the house. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on one side is handy to store nappies or baby clothes.

Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed for your specific model and is supple, flat and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can increase the risk of SIDS.

Look for a crib with an adjustable height to ensure that it's in line with the size of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering C-section surgery A bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a greater chance of getting into and out of bed easily particularly in the early days of healing.

Some models include useful extras, such as a tummy-tilt for reflux or a detachable moses basket that can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Check if the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat to store, or comes with bags. It's also worth looking into how much the model costs and the bedding included - it's often necessary to buy separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.

Style

Bedside cribs are a great alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow mothers to monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of the bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a csection or in the aftermath of other medical conditions like colic or reflux.

The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and requirements. Be aware of safety features and if you are able to take your baby out of the crib in order to feed or calm them. Also, make sure to check whether the crib is equipped with additional features, like a rocking feature. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you select can be comfortably.

Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're still loaded with great features like air-tight mesh and transparent sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold up, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.

Some cribs come with side panels that can be removed during the day to allow the baby to be held and co-sleep safely, but are raised again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, but one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use initially.

The bedding you choose to use in a crib for bed must fit properly and must not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation dangers. This is the reason that many cribs come with mattresses that are fitted, but you can find suitable sheets at most stores. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they will wear out and deteriorate with time increasing the risk of SIDS.

Bedside cribs are also lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to move from room space, or take on trips on. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning you can easily bring them along for short trips.

Convenience

Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. But, it's important to remember that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby during the first six months with a separate bed in the same room, to lower the chance of SIDS.

Based on the model you pick, bedside cribs can feature features that increase their convenience. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and is adjustable in height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this allowed her to 'easy access" to help their child.

Certain models include extra features such as a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are useful if your child has a condition that can cause reflux, however, your newborn should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.

When selecting a model take into consideration the ease to clean. Check whether the fabric can be machine washed and if there's a waterproof mattress protector that will shield you from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some bedside cribs come with an upholstered sheet, which allows you to wash and change it.

Take into consideration the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Check if it is easy to attach and if there's an included bag for travel. Take note of extras such as a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful for those who travel.