Side rail w convertible crib as co sleeping option?

milomia

Not sure if this is ok thought Id ask: can you use a crib (with one panel removed as if for a toddler bed) with a side rail as an option for a co sleeper next to bed for first few mths?

LittleFish1

I considered the idea after LO was 3 months old (we have been mostly cosleeping since LO was about 3 weeks old. Prior to that, were taking turns holding her in arm chair). DH wasn't keen on moving in the crib & I wasn't sure about potential gaps between the bed & crib, the crib moving, or the different heights. Neither of us move at night without waking up so rolling onto LO wasn't an issue.

We had a mini-classic cosleeper from 2.5 months to 5 months and it acted more as a wall to prevent LO from rolling off the bed. I'd say there are varying degrees of o.k. but I would be hesitant about what you are suggesting (mainly the rail & lack of attachement between thr bed & crib). Have you looked at videos online where people show their set ups?

milomia

It seems not too favorable of an idea now that I am looking further into it. My idea (since our house is small) was to setup the crib in our room and the baby would acclimate to the mattress and crib he will be using. I just wanted him closer to me for breastfeeding and warmth but perhaps not the best idea...I will keep looking for videos

lalaith50

There's some stuff online that will give you ideas about how to sidecar a crib (so, your idea minus the side rail?) there's suggestions for ways to get rid of the gap and make it safe (pool noodles,  bungee cord the crib to the bed tightly, etc.)

https://www.drmomma.org/2010/01/turn-your-crib-into-cosleeper.html

https://naturalparentsnetwork.com/how-to-side-car-your-crib/

milomia

Thank you