Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for an easy nighttime feeding, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the best option. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They are based on the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home test subjects love that this crib rotates 360deg for easy access. It also features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep your baby close at night without the risk of suffocation or overheating. They can be attached to the sides of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your infant in the middle of the night. They're perfect for mothers recovering from an op. But there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.
If you're choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, ensure that the crib you select meets current safety standards. bedside crib and cot of cribs from the past were recalled because they allow babies to fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation and entrapment. Check that the crib you pick is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be introduced in November 2020.
The new regulations prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, the majority of models have half-height walls, which still allow your baby to sleep next to your bed but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than your mattress. All of the models we have listed are in compliance with these new standards. 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 if the crib you're considering purchasing is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is anchored correctly. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper, like the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby awards.
It is also important to remember that a crib should be used only for sleeping purposes and should not be used with any bedding or other accessories, such as pillows, blankets toys or toys for stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep advice that states that infants should only sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed for an adult, or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing which can increase the risk of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your infant baby and babies up until 6 months of age.
The top models offer excellent breathability, with slats that are open and wide enough to let air flow. They also come with a door and/or window that you can roll up or down depending on the need. This makes it easier to change your baby's diaper, nurse them or monitor them throughout the night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the house. It should also be easy to clean, with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress and others you have to buy separately. Make sure the mattress is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to fit the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be very beneficial to you, particularly if you recovering from a C-section.
Some models have extra features that are useful for parents, like tilting the tummy for reflux, or detachable to become a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rocks, folds down to lie flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. Look at the cost and find out what bedding comes with the crib. It is usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow them to monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes without getting out of bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from a C-section or any other medical issue like reflux or colic.
Choosing the best bedside crib is contingent on your preferences and your lifestyle. In addition to the obvious safety features, consider whether you want to be capable of lifting your baby out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it includes any extras such as the ability to rock. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally cheaper than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled - they're still packed with amazing features, including the breathable mesh and clear sides, reflux incline options and adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to create the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs to be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also easy to put together, fold and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be removed in the daytime to allow the baby to be held and sleep safely and then raised at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, but one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to operate initially.
Any bedding you use in a crib for bed must be fitted properly and must not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation dangers. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they will wear out and become worse with age and increase the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room to room or to take along during holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags so that you can easily take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and babies because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the danger of them rolling off your mattress or suffocating. It's important to remember that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your baby for the first six months - with an additional bed in the same space, to lower the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you choose the bedside crib could include features that make it more convenient. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and is adjustable in the height to make it easier to reach and pick your child up. This model also has a sidewall that dips down, which an MFM home tester described as giving her "easy access" to hold their baby.
Some models have extra features such as a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are helpful for children with a condition that causes reflux, but your baby should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Check whether the fabric can be washed by machine and if it has a waterproof mattress protector that protects you from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other things to consider are how easy it is to build and how compact it is when folded away. Be sure to check if the bed is simple to attach and if there's a bag included for travel. 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 can be helpful for those who travel.