Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great option for parents who want their baby close by for fuss-free evening feeding. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They are based on official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a popular choice by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to suit your bed's height and rotates all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep baby close by at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They attach to your bed, which means you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of night. They're also great for mums recovering after a c section. There's plenty to consider before you invest in one.
When you're looking for a bedside crib ensure you're buying an item that is in line with current safety standards. Many older cribs have been recalled due to the fact that they allow babies to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Be sure that the crib you pick is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be in place in November 2020.
The new rules forbid bedside cribs from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, many models come with half-height walls that allow your baby to sleep close 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.
Make sure that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is correctly fixed. This is especially crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system like 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 keep in mind that a crib is designed for sleeping and should not be used with bedding or other accessories like pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should sleep in their cribs or cots and not on an adult's bed, or any other type or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which can increase the chance of SIDS. It also allows you to 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's safe, easy to use and comfortable for your new baby and babies until 6 months old.
The most effective models have good airflow, with slats that are wide enough and open enough to allow airflow. You can also move the door or window according to your needs. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby, nurse them, or monitor their sleep at night. Some models also come with the swaddle sack, which can help you sleep in a safe routine.
It should be small and light when folded, so that it is easy to carry around the house. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on the other side is useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress, while others need to purchase separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is firm, flat and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can 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 gives you a better chance of getting into and out of bed quickly, especially during the early weeks when you're still recovering.
Some models come with useful extras, such as an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses' basket that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib rock and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's often necessary to purchase separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New mothers are enthralled by the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that allow them to monitor baby during night feedings and changing nappy without getting out of bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a c-section or when recovering from other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
Choosing the best bedside crib for you depends on your preferences and lifestyle. Consider the safety features and if you can take your baby out of the crib to feed or soothe them. Also, consider if the crib has any extras, like a rocking feature. Also, look at the size and the height of your bed and ensure that the crib you pick can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they have excellent features, including the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, reflux incline option and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and has smart oak legs, which means it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also simple to put together, fold and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparents.
bedside crib vs cot that can be lowered during the day, allowing you to hold your baby and sleep safely however, they are raised at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use initially.
It is essential to make sure that the bedding you use to make a crib bedside is fitted properly. There should be no gaps or other openings which could lead to the suffocation. This is why a lot of cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can find suitable sheets at most stores. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they will wear out and degrade with time and increase the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room to room, or to take on trips on. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, so that you can easily transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. But, it's important to remember that the official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby for the first six months with an additional bed in the same room, to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick, bedside cribs can have features that add to their convenience. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and is adjustable in height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. This model has a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester said that this allowed her to gain access" to help their child.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking function (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are helpful in the event that your child suffers from an illness that can cause reflux, however, your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it is be to clean the model. Check whether the fabric can be washed by machine and if it comes with a waterproof mattress protector that protects you from leaky nappies, infant sick or spills. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet that allows you to wash and change it.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Check if it is easy to put together and if it comes with bags included to travel with. Check if the product comes with additional features like a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when travelling.