Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great choice for parents who want their baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home test subjects love that this crib rotates 360deg for easy access. It also comes with an adjustable mattress to fit your bed. It folds up easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of suffocation. They attach to your bed, so you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of the night. They're also great for mothers who are recovering from having a c-section. There are a lot of things to consider before investing in one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib, ensure you're buying an item that is in line with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalled due to the risk of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Make sure the crib you pick meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be launched in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new rules is that bedside cribs will not be made with completely drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to lay beside your bed, but provide a more protective barrier because they sink a little below your 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, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Make sure that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is correctly secured. This is particularly important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system, such as 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 crucial to remember, too, that a crib is intended for sleep and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other items like blankets, toys, pillows, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of bed-sharing, which could increase the risk of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, easy to use and comfortable for your infant baby and infants up to 6 months of age.
The best models have slats that are wide and wide enough to allow airflow. They also feature a door and/or window that you can roll up or down as needed. It is easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or monitor them at night. Some models also come with a swaddle sack to help you to have a secure sleep routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded so it's easy to move around your home or transport to your destination. It must also be easy to clean, and come with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. The pocket on one side can be used to store spare diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, while others need to purchase separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed for your specific model and is flat, firm and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height so that it matches the height of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-section surgery, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a better chance of getting into and out of bed with ease particularly in the early weeks when you're still healing.
Some models come with useful extras, such as a tummy-tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses bin which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat for storage, or comes with a bag. It's also worth checking how much the model costs and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to purchase additional sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
New mums love the convenience of bedside cribs that allow them to keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from a C-section or any other medical issue like colic or reflux.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and preferences. Apart from the obvious safety features, consider whether you want to be capable of lifting your child from the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it comes with any extras such as a rocking function. Also, look at the size and height of your bed and ensure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled - they're still packed with great features like air-tight mesh and transparent sides, incline options for reflux and adjustable height. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and features stylish oak legs, which means it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also simple to put together, fold and comes with a convenient bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be lowered in the daytime to allow you to hold your baby and sleep in a safe manner and then raised at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use for the first time.
The bedding you choose to use in a crib for bed must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation hazards. This is why a lot of cribs have mattresses that are fitted, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most stores. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they may be worn out and degrade over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to move from room to space, or take on trips on. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit in a carry bag, so they are easy to take with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and babies as they let you see your baby at night without the danger of them rolling off your mattress or suffocating. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first 6 months, with an additional mattress in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model you select, bedside cribs could include features that enhance their ease of use. For example one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach into the crib and pick up your little one. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester reported gave an easy access to comfort their infant.
Some models have additional extras, such as a rocking function (useful for fussy babies) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These are beneficial if your child has a condition that can cause reflux, however, your infant should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it will to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector that can keep away leaky nappies and dribbles. cot for bedside come with a fitted sheet, which makes it easier for you to change it and wash it.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Check if the bed is easy to put together and if it comes with a bag included to carry it on the road. Additionally, take note of whether it has extras like tilting your tummy or the option of turning it into a moses basket for older babies - this is a great option for traveling.