Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great option when you want your baby to be close for a peaceful nighttime feeding. They're a safer 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 by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to fit your bed's height and rotates a full 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of being suffocated. They are attached to the sides of your bed so that you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your child during the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from the c-section. However, there's a lot to consider before purchasing one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib, make sure you're looking at an item that is in line with current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Make sure that the crib you choose meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November of this year.
The new rules prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, most models feature half-height walls, which still allow your baby to sleep next to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than your mattress. All of our models are in compliance with these new standards. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards 2017
Check that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is securely anchored. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, 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 is important to remember that a crib is only designed for sleeping and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories such as blankets, toys, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should 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 crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which can increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get up. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, easy to use and comfortable for your infant baby and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have slats which are wide and wide enough to allow for air circulation. You can also roll up and down the window or door as you need. This makes it simple to nurse, change your baby or check on them throughout the night. Some models include a swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to carry around the home. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on the other side is handy to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include a mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure the mattress is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to fit the height of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be extremely beneficial to you, particularly when you recovering from a C section.
Certain models come with additional features that can be useful like tilting the tummy for reflux, or detach to transform into a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib rock or folds down to lay flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. Find out the price and what bedding is included in the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They let them monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after c-section, or in the aftermath of other medical conditions, such as colic or reflux.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and needs. Aside from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be able to lift your child out of the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it comes with any additional features, such as a rocking function. Also, look at the size and the height of your bed, and check that any crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, but they still have great features, such as the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It's available in three colors with elegant oak legs that make it a great fit for any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to let you hold your baby during the daytime and for a safer co-sleeping environment However, they will appear again at 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.
You must ensure that the bedding used for a crib beside a bedside is fitted properly. There should be no gaps or other openings which could cause the suffocation. A majority of cribs come with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that fit in most retailers. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they are prone to wear and become deteriorated over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much more lightweight and 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 to allow you to transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and babies because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the danger of them rolling off your mattress or suffocating. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six month, with a separate mattress in the same space to minimize the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model you choose, bedside cribs may have features that add to their convenience. For example, one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach inside and pick up your little one. The model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which an MFM home tester described as giving an easy access to hold their infant.
Some models have additional extras, such as the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux. However, keep in mind that your baby must rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When selecting bedside crib and travel cot take into consideration how easy it will be to keep clean. Check whether the fabric can be machine washed and if it comes with a waterproof mattress protector that protects you from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet that makes it easier to change and wash it.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Check if it's easy to connect to your bed, and if it comes with a bag for travel. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as tilting the tummy or the option of turning it into a moses basket for older children - this can be useful for travelling.