Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a fantastic option for parents who want their baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. travel cot bedside are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favored among home testers because it can be adjusted to fit your bed height and swivels to 360 degrees for easy access. It is easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by at night without the risk of suffocation or overheating. They attach to your bed, which means you can reach out to soothe or feed your child during the middle of the night. They're also great for mothers recovering from having a c-section. But there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib, ensure you're buying one that meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Check that your chosen model meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of this year.
The biggest change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs can no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature half-height walls that allow your baby to lie next to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier by sinking a bit lower than the mattress. All of the models we have listed 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.
It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is attached properly. 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 for the Mother&Baby awards.
It's also important to keep in mind that a crib should be used only for sleeping purposes and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets, toys or animals that are stuffed. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should only sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type or soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child in close proximity at night, without the danger that they might be shared with another baby. This could increase the chance 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 an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have good breathability and slats that are wide enough to let air flow. They also have a door and/or window that can be rolled up or down when needed. This makes it easier to nurse, change your baby, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models also include an swaddle bag to assist 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. It should also be easy to clean, and come with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. 4-in-1 bedside crib at one end can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include a mattress, while others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure that the mattress is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to match the bed's height. Especially if you're recovering from a C-section A bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a better chance of getting into and out of bed quickly especially in the initial weeks of healing.
Certain models have additional features that are useful like tilting the tummy for reflux, or the ability to detach to make a moses' basket and later a toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, can be folded flat to store, or comes with bags. It's also worth checking the price and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to purchase separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for new mums. They let them monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of their bed. They also help babies settle after a csection or after recovering from other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and needs. Be aware of safety features and whether you are able to lift your baby from the crib to feed or soothe them. Also, consider whether the crib is equipped with extras, like rocking features. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that any crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be more affordable than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're still loaded with amazing features, including air-tight mesh and transparent sides, as well as reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and has smart oak legs, which means it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be lower during the day to allow the baby to be held and sleep in a safe manner and then raised at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, although one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to operate initially.
The bedding you choose to use in a crib for bed must be fitted properly and must not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation dangers. This is why a lot of cribs come with a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most stores. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can become worn out and degrade with time and increase the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to move from room to rooms, or to take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, so that you can easily take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and babies as they let you see your baby at night without the risk of them rolling off your mattress or suffocating. But, it's important to note that official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your baby for the first six months with a separate bed in the same room, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you choose the bedside crib could include features that make it more practical. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test can swivel and can be adjusted in the height so that it is easier for you reach in and pick your child up. The model comes with a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this allowed her to gain access" to comfort their child.
Certain models come with additional features, such as a rocking function (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are helpful if your child has an illness that triggers reflux, however your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will to clean the model. Make sure the fabric can be washed by machine and if it has a mattress protector with waterproof properties, which will protect from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include the ease with which it can build and how compact when folded away. Make sure the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with an included bag to travel with. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when travelling.