Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close to you for an easy nighttime feeding, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the ideal choice. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home test subjects love that this crib swivels 360deg to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep your baby close at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They attach to your bed so that you can reach out to soothe or feed your child in the middle night. They're also great for mothers recovering from an c-section. But there's a lot to consider before purchasing one.
When shopping for a crib that is bedside, ensure you're buying an item that is in line with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Be sure that the crib you pick is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be in place in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to lie beside your bed, but also offer a more secure protection as they sink beneath your mattress. co sleeper bedside cot of the models we have listed meet the new standards, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Verify that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is properly fixed. This is particularly important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system like the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother and Baby Awards.
It's also important to keep in mind that the crib is intended for sleeping and should never be used with bedding or other accessories, like blankets, pillows, toys or toys for stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep advice that states that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child safe throughout the night, without the danger that they might be shared with other babies. This can increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach out to soothe your baby without getting out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies up to 6 months old.
The best models have slats which are wide and wide enough to allow air circulation. They also feature a door and/or window that can be folded up or down when needed. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby and nurse them or check on their sleep at night. Some models also include an swaddle bag to assist you sleep in a safe routine.
large bedside crib 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. A pocket on the other side can be useful to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with mattresses, while others must purchase separately. Make sure the mattress is flat, firm and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it matches the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib with an adjustable height can give you a greater chances of getting in and out of bed easily particularly in the early weeks of healing.
Certain models have additional features that can be useful, such as tilting the tummy for reflux, or detachable to become a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat to store, or comes with a bag. It's also worth checking the price and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to purchase separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New moms appreciate the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that let them monitor their baby during night feeds and changing nappy without having to get out of the bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after c-section, or in the aftermath of other medical conditions, such as colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib for you depends on your requirements and your lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be able to get your child out of the crib to feed them or calm them, and if it has any extras such as the ability to rock. Also, consider the dimensions and the height of your bed and check that any crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically cheaper than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're still loaded with great features like air-tight mesh and transparent sides, reflux incline options and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and features stylish oak legs, which means it's perfect for your bedroom. Plus, it's easy to fold and assemble, and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to let you hold your baby during the day and for safer co-sleeping however, they appear again at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use at first.
You should make sure that the bedding used for a crib next to a bed is properly fitted. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings, that could lead to the suffocation. That's why many cribs come with mattresses that are fitted, but you can purchase suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which are prone to wear and deteriorate over time, potentially 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 carry when you go on vacation. travel bedside crib are small enough to fit into bags to allow you to take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for new babies and parents because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the fear of them rolling off your mattress or getting suffocated. 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 which model you choose the crib that you choose for your bed could come with features that make it more comfortable. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted in the height so that it is easier for you reach in and pick up your child. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this allowed her to 'easy access" to soothe their child.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking function (great for babies who are fussy), or incline settings to help with reflux. These may be handy to use if your baby is suffering from an illness that causes reflux but be aware that your baby should sleep on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Check whether the fabric can be washed by machine and if there's a mattress protector with waterproof properties that protects you from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some bedside cribs come with an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier to change and wash it.
Other things to consider are how easy it is to assemble and how compact when folded away. Check if the bed is simple to attach and if there's an included bag to carry it on the road. Also, think about if it has additional features like a tummy tilt or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older children - this is a great option for traveling.