Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great option when you want your baby to be close for a peaceful nighttime feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They are based on strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home test subjects love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access. It also features an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close to you at night without fear of suffocation. They can be attached to the side of your bed, so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your baby in the middle of the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from the c-section. There are many things to consider prior to purchasing one.
If you're shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're looking at a model that complies with current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Be sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be launched in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit bedside cribs from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, many models come with half-height walls, which still allow your baby to lay next to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking slightly lower than the mattress. All models on our list meet the new requirements. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also worth checking that the crib you're looking at is able to attach securely to your bed and is anchored correctly. This is especially 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 and Baby Awards.
It's also important to remember that the crib should be used only for sleeping and should never be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep advice that states that babies should sleep only in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child safe throughout the night, without the possibility that they could be shared with other babies. This could increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach over to comfort your baby without getting out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and infants up to 6 months old.
bedside travel cot have slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow air flow. You can also roll up and down the window or door depending on your needs. This makes it easy to nurse, change your baby or monitor them throughout the night. Some models even come with the swaddle sack, which can help you with a safe sleep routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded so it's easy to move around the house or transport to your destination. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress, while others need to purchase separately. Ensure that the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is supple, flat and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to match the bed's height. Particularly if you're recovering a C-section A bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a better chance of getting into and out of bed with ease, especially during the early days of healing.
Some models come with useful extras, like an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses' basket which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rock and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. Find out the price and what bedding is included with the crib. It is often necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They let them monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after c-section, or in the aftermath of other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and needs. Aside from the obvious safety features, consider whether you want to be able to get your child out of the crib to feed them or comfort them, and if it has any extras such as rocking functions. Also, consider the size and height of your bed and check that any crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived - they're still packed with fantastic features like air-tight mesh and transparent 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 comes in three colors and features stylish oak legs, which means it's perfect for your bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to let you hold your baby during the day, and for a safer co-sleeping environment, but then pop up again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, though one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to operate initially.
You should ensure that the bedding you choose for a crib beside a bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings which could lead to the suffocation. That's why many cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they will wear out and deteriorate with time increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room or carry when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in bags, so you can easily take them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and babies as they let you see your baby at night without the danger of them rolling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. But, it's important to keep in mind that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your child for the first six months with an additional bed in the same room to lower the chance of SIDS.
Depending on which model you pick the crib that you choose for your bed could have features that make it more comfortable. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted in the height so that it is easier for you reach in and pick up your child. The sidewall of this model which dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this allowed her to gain access" to soothe their child.
Some models come with extras like a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are beneficial if your child has a condition that triggers reflux, however your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a model, consider how easy it will be to clean. Check whether the fabric is machine washable and if it has a waterproof mattress protector, which will protect from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to build and how compact when folded away. Consider whether it is easy to connect to your bed and whether it has a bag to use for travel. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as tilting the tummy or the option to turn it into moses baskets for older children. This can be useful for travelling.