Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a fantastic option when you want your baby close by for fuss-free nighttime feeding. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a popular choice among home testers since it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels all 360 degrees for easy access. It is easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep your baby close throughout the night without putting them at risk of suffocation or overheating. They are attached to your bed, so you can reach out and help or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from a c section. There are a variety of factors to think about before purchasing one.
When shopping for a bedside crib make sure you're choosing one that meets 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 and the sides as well as the crib. Be sure that the crib you select is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be introduced in November 2020.
The biggest change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs may not be made with completely drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lie next to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than your mattress. All of the models on our list meet the new standards, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also important to ensure that the crib you're looking at is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is secured correctly. This is especially important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleep 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 should only be used for sleeping purposes and should not be used with any bedding or other accessories, like pillows, blankets, toys or toys for stuffed animals. The official safe sleep guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should sleep in their own sleeping space, in their own crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child close at night, without the possibility that they could be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without having to get out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, practical and comfortable for your infant baby and babies up until 6 months old.
The best models come with slats that are wide and wide enough to allow air flow. You can also move the window or door depending on your needs. bedside crib to cot makes it simple to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or check on them during the night. Some models also include the swaddle sack, which can help you to have a secure sleep routine.
You want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded making it easy to move around the house or take away with you. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra baby clothes and nappies.
Some bedside cribs 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 comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to fit the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be extremely beneficial for you, particularly when you recovering from a C-section.
Some models have extra features that could be beneficial like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or the ability to detach to make a moses' basket and later a toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib is rocking and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. Check the price and see what bedding comes with the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
New moms love the convenience of bedside cribs that let them monitor their baby during night feedings and nappy changes without having to get out of bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after c-section, or in the aftermath of other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and needs. In addition to the obvious safety features, think about whether you'd like to be capable of lifting your child out of the crib to feed them or calm them and if it includes any additional features, such as rocking functions. Examine the height and size of your bed to make sure that the crib you pick can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally cheaper than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're packed with amazing features, including breathable mesh and see-through sides, as well as reflux incline options and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with elegant oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold up, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you touch your baby during the daytime and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience, but then come back up at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use at first.
The bedding you put in a crib for bed must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation hazards. A majority of cribs come with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that are suitable for most stores. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which are prone to wear and degrade over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or carry when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, to allow you to transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six months with an additional mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.
The model you choose the bedside crib could include features that make it more comfortable. For example one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height so it's easy to reach into the crib and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester described as giving an easy access to hold their infant.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy), or incline settings to help with reflux. These can be useful to use if your baby is suffering from a condition that causes reflux but remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a model, consider how easy it will be to clean. Make sure the fabric can be washed by machine and if there's a waterproof mattress protector, which will protect from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Check if the bed is easy to put together and if it comes with bags included to carry it on the road. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature for those who travel.