Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a fantastic option for parents who want their baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favorite among home testers since it can be adjusted to fit the bed's height, and it swivels a full 360 degrees to make it easy to access. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep your baby close during the night without risking 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 a c-section. There are a lot of things to consider prior to purchasing one.
If you're looking for a crib to place beside your bed, ensure that the crib you pick meets current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Make sure the crib you are considering is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new rules is that bedside cribs will not have drop-down sides. Instead, the majority of models have half-height walls that allow your baby to lay next to your bed but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than the mattress. All of our models meet these 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.
Check that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is properly anchored. This is particularly crucial if you intend 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 is important to remember that a crib is only intended for sleep and should not be used with bedding or other accessories like blankets, toys, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines that state that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on an adult's bed, or any other type or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close at night without the threat of bed-sharing, which can increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach over to comfort your baby without having to get out of bed in the middle night. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your newborn baby and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models come with slats that are wide and open enough to allow airflow. They also come with an opening or window that can be rolled up or down as needed. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or check on their sleep at night. Some models include a swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light in its fold so that it is easy to transport around the home. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on the other side is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include a mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is firm, flat and airy. Avoid using second-hand mattresses because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it matches the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering a C-section, a bedside crib with an adjustable height will give you a greater chances of getting in and out of bed easily particularly in the early days of recovering.
Some models come with useful extras, such as a tummy-tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket which can later be used as a toddler playpen. bedside cosleeper to consider are whether the crib is rocking, folds down to lie flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. Find out the price and what bedding is included in the crib. It is usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
New mums love the convenience of bedside cribs that allow them to monitor their baby during night feeds and diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from a c-section or other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
Choosing the best bedside crib for you depends on your requirements and your lifestyle. Aside from the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be able to get your child from the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it includes any additional features, such as a rocking function. Also, look at the dimensions and height of your bed and check that any crib you pick can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they do have some amazing features, like breathable mesh and see through sides, an option for reflux incline and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with stylish oak legs to fit into any bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to let you touch your baby during the day, and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience, but then come back up at the 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 use initially.
You should make sure that the bedding you use to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There should not be gaps or other gaps, which could cause suffocation. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which are prone to wear and become deteriorated over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to move from room room, or to take when you go on vacation. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit in bags, so they are easy to take with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to look at your baby without worrying about them rolling off the bed or suffocating. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first 6 months and then have an additional mattress in the same room to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model you choose, bedside cribs may include features that enhance their convenience. For instance, one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height, making it easy to reach in and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester described as giving an easy access to hold their infant.
Some models include additional features for example, the ability to rock (useful for fussy babies) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are useful for children with a condition that triggers reflux, however your baby should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a model, consider how easy it will be to keep clean. Check whether the fabric can be machine washed and if it comes with a mattress protector with waterproof properties, which will protect from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some bedside cribs come with an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier for you to change it and wash it.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Check if it is easy to attach and if there's an included bag to travel with. Also, think about if it comes with extras such as tilting your tummy or the option of turning it into moses baskets for older babies - this could be helpful for travel.