Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great choice for parents who want their baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They follow strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a popular choice among home testers because it can be adjusted to suit the bed's height, and it swivels a full 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep baby close by at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They can be attached to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your baby in the middle of the night, and they're perfect for mothers recovering from the c-section. There's plenty to think about before you invest in one.
If you are choosing a crib to put next to your bed, be sure that the crib you pick is safe and meets the current standards for safety. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Make sure that the crib you choose meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November 2020.
bedside crib and travel cot to the new regulations is that bedside cribs may not be made with completely drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature half-height walls, which still allow your baby to sleep next to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier by sinking a little lower than the mattress. All of the models we have listed comply with these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is secured properly. This is particularly important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system, such as the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards.
It is also important to remember that a crib is intended for sleeping and should never be used with bedding or accessories like pillows, blankets toys, or animals that are stuffed. The official safe sleep guidelines from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only sleep in their own sleep space, in their own crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child in close proximity at night, without the risk that they may be sharing a crib with another infant. This can increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without getting out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and babies up to 6 months old.
The best models come with slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow for airflow. You can also move the door or window depending on your needs. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby, nurse them, or check on their sleep at the end of the night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded making it easy to move around your home or to take with you on your travels. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on the other side can be useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress and others you must purchase separately. Make sure the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is supple, flat and breathable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height so that it matches the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be very beneficial to you, particularly in the event that you are recovering from a C section.
Some models have extra features that can be useful for parents, like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or the ability to detach to transform into a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage, or comes with bags. It's also worth checking how much the model costs and the bedding included - it's often necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
New mothers appreciate the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that allow them to monitor baby during feedings at night and diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a csection or after recovering from other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.
The best crib is contingent on your requirements and your lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want 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 a rocking function. Also, look at the size and the height of your bed, and ensure that the crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be cheaper than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're still loaded with fantastic features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, as well as reflux incline options and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both style and practicality into 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 assemble 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 day, and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience However, they will appear again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, but one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to operate initially.
You should ensure that the bedding you use to make a crib bedside is fitted properly. There should be no gaps or other openings, which could cause an air suffocation. This is the reason that many cribs have an adjustable mattress, however you can purchase suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which can be worn down and become deteriorated over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or take with you when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag, so you can easily bring them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and newborns as they let you see your baby at night without the risk of them rolling off your mattress or getting suffocated. It's important to note that official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby during the first six months - with a separate bed in the same room to lower the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model you pick, bedside cribs can have features that add to their ease of use. For instance, one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height so it's easy to reach inside and take your baby. The model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to comfort their baby.
Some models have extra features like a rocking function (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux, but remember that your newborn should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Think about how easy it is to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable, and if it comes with a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Consider the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Check if it's easy to connect to your bed, and if it comes with a bag to take it with you on your travels. Check if the product comes with additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the capability to transform it into a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature for those who travel.