Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great option if you want your baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home testers love the fact that this crib rotates 360deg for easy access. It also features an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close at night without fear of suffering from suffocation. They attach to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child during the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. However, there's a lot to think about before purchasing one.
When you're looking for a bedside crib make sure you're looking at one that meets current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were recalled because they permit children to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Check that the crib you pick is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be launched in November 2020.
The new regulations prohibit bedside cribs from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, most models feature half-height walls, which still allow your baby to sleep close to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking slightly lower than your mattress. All of the models in our list comply with these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Check that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is properly secured. This is especially crucial if you plan 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 is also important to remember that a crib should only be used for sleeping and should never be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories, like pillows, blankets, toys or toys for stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep advice that states that infants should only sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type of soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child safe at night, without the danger that they might be shared with other babies. This can increase the risk of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and soothe your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, practical, and comfortable for your new baby and babies until 6 months of age.
The most effective models have good breathability and slats that are wide enough and open enough to let air flow. You can also roll up and down the door or window according to your needs. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby, nurse them, or check on them at the end of the night. Some models also include a swaddle sack to help you with a safe sleep routine.
You want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded, making it easy to move around your home or transport to your destination. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one end is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is supple, flat and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to the bed's height. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be very beneficial to you, particularly when you are recovering from a C-section.
Certain models come with useful extras, such as the tummy-tilt feature for reflux or a detachable moses basket which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib rocks or folds down to lay flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth looking into how much the model costs and what bedding is included - it's often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for new mums. They let them monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of their 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.
Choosing the best bedside crib for your child is based on your preferences and your lifestyle. Be aware of safety features and whether you will be able remove your baby from the crib to feed or soothe them. Also, consider if the crib has any additional features, like rocking features. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that the crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, however they still have great features, such as the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and features stylish oak legs, so it's sure to fit in your bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to put together and fold and comes with a handy bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to let you hold your baby during the daytime and for a safer co-sleeping environment However, they will come back up at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, though one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to operate initially.
The bedding you choose to use in a bedside crib should be a good fit and not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation dangers. This is the reason that many cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most retailers. It's a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they may be worn out and degrade over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
newborn bedside cot are much lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to transport from room to space, or take on vacation. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit into bags so that you can easily take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and newborns as they let you see your baby at night without the fear of them falling off the mattress or getting suffocated. However, it's important to keep in mind that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby during the first six months - with an additional bed in the same room, to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you choose the crib that you choose for your bed could include features that make it more practical. 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 your child up. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this gave her gain access" to help their child.
Some models come with extras like a rocking feature (great for fussy babies) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful in the event that your child suffers from a condition which causes reflux, but your baby should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a fabric be aware of how easy it is to keep clean. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable and comes with a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other things to consider are the ease with which it can assemble and how compact when folded away. Consider whether it is simple to attach to your bed and whether it has a bag to use to take it with you on your travels. Take note of additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the possibility of converting it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when travelling.