Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great option for parents who want their baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love the fact that this crib swivels 360deg for easy access. It also has an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It is also easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep your baby close at night without the risk of suffocation or overheating. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from a c section. There are a variety of factors to consider prior to purchasing one.
When you're looking 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 have been recalled because they let children slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be introduced in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to lie beside your bed, but offer a more secure barrier as they sink below 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 both of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Verify that the crib is securely affixed to your bed and that it is correctly secured. This is especially important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper, such as the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It's important to remember, too, that a crib is designed for sleeping and is not meant to be used with bedding or other accessories like blankets, toys, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type of soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close by at night without the risk of bed-sharing, which can increase the risk of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach out and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. 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 of age.
The most effective models have slats which are wide and spacious enough to allow for air circulation. They also have an opening or window that can be rolled up or down depending on the need. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby, nurse them, or check on them at the end of the night. Some models even come with the swaddle sack, which can help you to have a secure sleep routine.
You'll want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded so it's easy to move around the house or take away with you. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one side is handy to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use the mattress, while other require you to purchase a mattress separately. Ensure that the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is firm, flat and airy. Avoid using second-hand mattresses, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to fit the height of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib with an adjustable height can give you a better chance of getting into and out of bed easily, especially during the early weeks of recovering.
Certain models come with useful extras, like the tummy-tilt feature for reflux or a detachable moses basket that can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat for storage or comes with a bag. Check the price and see what bedding comes with the crib. It is usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They let them monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes without getting out of their bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition like colic or reflux.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Take into consideration the safety features and if you can remove your baby from the crib in order to feed or calm them. Also, check if bedside crib with changing table has any additional features, like a rocking feature. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that any crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, but they still have amazing features, like breathable mesh and see through sides, an option for reflux incline and a height that can be adjusted. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It's available in three colors with stylish oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to put together, fold and comes with a handy bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered during the day to allow the baby to be held and sleep in a safe manner, but are raised again at 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.
The bedding you put in a bedside crib must be fitted properly and must not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation dangers. This is why a lot of cribs come with an adjustable mattress, however you can purchase suitable sheets at most retailers. It's a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they can be worn down and become deteriorated over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. bedside crib vs cot makes them more convenient to transport from room to rooms, or to take when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit in a carry bag, so they are easy to take along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and babies because they allow you to see your baby at night without the risk of them falling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six month with a separate mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.
Depending on which model you pick, the bedside crib may include features that make it more convenient. For instance one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach into the crib and take your baby. This model has a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester said that this allowed her to 'easy access" to help their child.
Some models come with extras like a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby has a condition that causes reflux. However, be aware that your baby should rest on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a fabric, consider the ease to clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if it has a waterproof protector to keep away leaky nappies and dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use an upholstered sheet, which allows you to wash and change it.
Consider the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Make sure the bed is easy to put together and if it comes with bags included for travel. Take note of additional features like a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when traveling.