Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for the night without any fuss, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the perfect choice. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favored by home testers due to the fact that it is adjustable to match the bed's height, and it swivels to 360 degrees to make it easy to access. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close to you at night without fear of being suffocated. They can be attached to your bed, so you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of the night. They're also great for mothers recovering from having a c-section. There are a lot of things to consider before investing in one.
If you're choosing a crib to place beside your bed, make sure that the crib you pick conforms to current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused 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 this year.
The biggest change in the new rules is that bedside cribs will no longer have completely drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to lay next to your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier as they sink beneath your 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 able to attach securely to your bed and is attached correctly. 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 and Baby Awards.
It is important to keep in mind that a crib is only designed for sleeping and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type of soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the risk 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 safe, practical and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and infants up to 6 months old.
large bedside cot come with slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow for air circulation. You can also move the window or door as you need. This makes it easy to change your baby's diapers, nurse him or monitor them throughout the night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be small and light in its fold so that it is easy to transport around the house. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket at one end can be used to store spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Ensure that the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it matches the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be extremely beneficial to you, especially when you recovering from a C section.
Certain models come with additional features that can be useful like a tummy tilt for reflux, or detachable to transform into a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage or comes with bags. Check the price and see what bedding comes with the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic option for mothers who are new. They allow them to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from c-section or other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. Apart 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 includes any additional features, such as the ability to rock. Also, take a look at the dimensions and the height of your bed, and ensure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're packed with great features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, reflux incline options and an adjustable height. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with elegant oak legs that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to allow you to touch your baby during the day, and for a safer co-sleeping environment, but then appear again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, but one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use at first.
The bedding you put in a crib for bed must be fitted properly and should not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation risks. That's why many cribs come with an adjustable mattress, however sheets that are suitable for use at most stores. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which are prone to wear and degrade over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or to take along when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag so that you can easily transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you observe your baby without having to worry about them falling off the 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 you only co-sleep with your baby for the first six months - with a separate bed in the same room, to lower the chance of SIDS.
The model you pick, the bedside crib may include features that make it more convenient. For instance one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach into the crib and pick up your child. The model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester reported gave her 'easy access' to hold their infant.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking function (great for fussy babies) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These may be handy to use if your baby is suffering from a condition that causes reflux but remember that your newborn should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it will to clean the model. Check if the fabric is machine washable and if it has a waterproof protector that can guard against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Consider the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Make sure it is easy to put together and if it comes with a bag included to travel with. Take note of additional features like a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful for those who travel.