Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close for an easy nighttime feeding A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the best option. 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.
This crib is a popular choice among home testers since it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels all 360 degrees for easy access. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep baby close by during the night without risking suffocation or overheating. They attach to your bed, so you can reach out to soothe or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. But there's a lot to think about before you invest in one.
When shopping for a bedside crib, make sure you're looking at an item that is in line with current safety standards. Many older cribs were removed due to the risk of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which will be in place in November 2020.
The new regulations 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 also offer a more secure protection since they are a bit beneath your mattress. All of the models on our list meet the new standards, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
It's also worth checking that the crib you're considering purchasing is able to attach securely to your bed and is anchored properly. 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&Baby Awards.
It is also important to remember that the crib should only be used for sleeping purposes and should not be used 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 infants should only sleep in their crib or cot and not on an adult's bed, or any other type or soft furniture.
Comfort
A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which can increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without getting out of bed in the middle night. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and infants up to 6 months old.
The top models offer good breathability, with slats that are open and wide enough to allow air flow. They also have a door and/or window that can be rolled up or down when needed. This makes it easier to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or check on them during the night. best bedside cots include an swaddle bag that can help you create a safe sleeping routine.
You want a model that is lightweight and compact when folded so it's easy to move around the house or to take with you on your travels. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with mattresses, while others have to buy separately. Be sure the mattress is firm, flat, and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height so that it matches the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be extremely beneficial to you, especially when you are recovering from a C section.
Certain models come with additional features that could be beneficial like a tummy tilt for reflux, or detachable to make a moses' basket and later a toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib is rocking and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth determining the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for new mums. They let them monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They are also useful for 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 needs. Apart from the obvious safety features, think about whether you'd like to be capable of lifting your child from the crib to feed them or calm them and if it comes with any extras such as rocking functions. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they do have some excellent features, including the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and features stylish oak legs, so it will fit right into your bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to fold and assemble and comes with a handy bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be lower during the day to allow you to hold your baby and sleep in a safe manner, but are raised again at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
The bedding you put in a crib bed must fit properly and must not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation hazards. This is why a lot of cribs have an adjustable mattress, however you can purchase suitable sheets at most retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they are likely to wear out and become worse with age, increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room to space, or take when you go on vacation. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit into bags to allow you to take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you observe your baby without worrying about them falling off the bed or suffocating. However, 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 during the first six months with an additional bed in the same room to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Depending on which model you pick, the bedside crib may 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 height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to soothe their infant.
Some models come with extras like a rocking function (great for fussy babies), or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are useful for children with a condition which causes reflux, but your baby should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a fabric, consider how easy it will be to clean. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed and if it comes with a mattress protector with waterproof properties, which will protect from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Be sure to check if it is easy to put together and if it comes with bags included to carry it on the road. Check if the product comes with extras such as a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when traveling.