Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a fantastic option if you want your baby to be close for a peaceful nighttime feeding. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favorite by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to fit your bed's height and rotates all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of being suffocated. They can be attached to the side of your bed so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your infant in the middle of the night. They're suitable for mothers who are recovering from an op. However, there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib make sure you're choosing an item that is in line with current safety standards. twin bedside cot were recalled because they allow babies to fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they could pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Check that the crib you choose 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 drop down. Instead, the majority of models have half-height walls, which still allow your baby to lay close to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier by sinking slightly lower than your mattress. All of the models on our list conform to these new requirements, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Make sure that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is correctly anchored. 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&Baby Awards.
It is important to remember that a crib is designed for sleeping and should not be used with bedding or accessories such as toys, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should sleep in their crib or cot 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 will allow you to keep your child in close proximity during the night, without having to take the risk that they may be shared with other babies. This could increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and soothe your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's an 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 have excellent breathability and slats that are wide enough and open enough to allow air flow. They also have an opening or window that can be rolled up or down depending on the need. This makes it easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them or check on them during the night. Some models even come with a swaddle sack to help you sleep in a safe routine.
It should be small and light in its fold so that it is easy to carry around the house. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket at the other end can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, while others have to buy separately. Be you could try these out that the mattress you purchase is specifically designed for your model and is flat, firm and breathable. Avoid using second-hand mattresses because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it matches the height of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib with an adjustable height can give you a greater chance of getting in and out of bed quickly especially in the initial weeks when you're still recovering.
Some models come with useful extras, like an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or a detachable moses' basket which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib rock, folds down to lie flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth checking the price and what bedding is included - it's usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
New mothers are enthralled by the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to keep an eye on baby during night feedings and nappy changes without getting out of the bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from a C-section or other medical condition such as colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib for you depends on your needs and lifestyle. Take into consideration the safety features and if you can lift your baby from the crib to feed them or soothe them. Also, consider whether the crib comes with extras, such as a rocking feature. Also, take a look at the dimensions and height of your bed and check that any crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they have excellent features, including breathable mesh and see through sides, reflux incline option and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with elegant oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold up, and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to allow you to touch your baby during the day and for safer co-sleeping however, they pop up 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 had difficulty getting it to use for the first time.
You should ensure that the bedding used to make a crib bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings which could cause suffocation. Most cribs are equipped with a mattress. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. It's a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they may be worn out and deteriorate over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to transport from room to room, or to take when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag so that you can take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to look at your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend that you only sleep with them for the first six months and then have an additional mattress in the same space to minimize the chance of SIDS.
The model you choose the crib that you choose for your bed could have features that make it more practical. For example, one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height so it's easy to reach inside and take your baby. This model also has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to comfort their infant.
Some models have extra features such as a rocking feature (great for fussy babies), or incline settings that help with reflux. These are helpful in the event that your child suffers from a condition which triggers reflux, however your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a fabric be aware of how easy it is to clean. Find out if the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a mattress protector with waterproof properties that will shield you from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other things to consider are how easy it is to put together and how compact it is when folded away. Check if the bed is easy to put together and if it comes with a bag included to carry it on the road. Check if the product comes with additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the capability to transform it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when travelling.