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. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home testers love the fact that this crib rotates 360deg for easy access. It also has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without the risk of being suffocated. They attach to your bed, which means you can reach out to comfort or feed your child in the middle night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from an c-section. There's plenty to think about before purchasing one.
If you are choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, ensure that the model you choose conforms to current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled due to the fact that they let children fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they could pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure the crib you select meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be launched in November 2020.
The biggest change in the new rules is that bedside cribs will no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature half-height walls, which still allow your baby to lie next to your bed but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a little lower than your mattress. All of the models we have listed 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
It's also worth checking that the crib you're considering is able to attach securely to your bed and is attached correctly. This is especially crucial if you intend to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, such as the free-standing Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby awards.
It's also important to keep in mind that the crib should only be used for sleeping purposes and should not be used with any bedding or other accessories, like blankets, pillows toys or animals that are stuffed. Official advice for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only sleep in their own sleeping space in their crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or any other type of mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the likelihood of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach out and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, convenient, and comfortable for your newborn baby and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models come with slats that are wide and open enough to allow for airflow. You can also roll up and down the window or door as you need. This makes it easy to nurse, change your baby, or check on them during the night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
You want a model that is lightweight and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around the house or transport to your destination. It must also be easy to clean, with the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. A pocket on the other side can be useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed specifically for your model and is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to match the bed's height. Particularly if you're recovering C-section surgery, a bedside crib with an adjustable height gives you a greater chances of getting in and out of bed quickly especially in the initial weeks when you're still healing.
Some models have extra features that are useful, such as tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detach to make a moses' basket and later a toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib is rocking or folds down to lay flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. Look at the cost and find out what bedding is included with the crib. It is often necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
New mothers love the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside, which allow them to keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and changing nappy without having to get out of bed. They also help babies settle after a c-section or when recovering from other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
Choosing the best bedside crib is contingent on your preferences and lifestyle. In addition to the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be capable of lifting your child from the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it includes additional features like a rocking function. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be more affordable than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're still loaded with fantastic features like air-tight mesh and transparent sides, reflux incline options and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. bedside crib to cot in three colors and has smart oak legs, which means it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also easy to fold and assemble and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be removed during the day to allow you to touch your baby and co-sleep safely however, they are raised at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, although one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to use at first.
It is essential to make sure that the bedding you choose for a crib beside a bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other gaps, which could lead to the suffocation. That's why many cribs come with an adjustable mattress, however sheets that are suitable for use at most retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they will wear out and degrade with time and increase the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to transport from room to room, or to take on trips on. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags, so you can easily take them to short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and babies because they allow you to see your baby at night without the danger of them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend that you only sleep with them for the first 6 months with a separate mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you choose, bedside cribs may have features that add to their ease of use. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test can swivel and is adjustable in the height so that it is easier for you reach in and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester said gave her "easy access" to comfort their baby.
Some models come with extras like a rocking function (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are helpful for children with a condition which triggers reflux, however your baby should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a fabric be aware of how easy it is to clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and has a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include the ease with which it can assemble and how compact when folded away. Consider whether it is easy to attach to your bed, and if it comes with a bag for travel. Take note of additional features like a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature for those who travel.