Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for fuss-free feeding at night, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the ideal choice. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They are based on strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home test subjects love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access. It also features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
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 help or feed your child during the middle of the night. They're also great for mothers recovering from a c section. There are many things to consider before investing in one.
When you're looking for a bedside crib, ensure you're buying one that meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled due to the fact that they permit children to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they could pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure the crib you are considering meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November of 2020.
The new regulations prohibit bedside cribs from having sides that completely drop down. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to lie on your bed, but provide a more protective barrier because they sink a little beneath 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 is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is anchored correctly. 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 for the Mother&Baby awards.
It's also important to keep in mind that the crib should only be used for sleeping and should never be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories like pillows, blankets toys or animals that are stuffed. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should sleep in their cribs or cots and not on an adult's bed, or any other type or soft furniture.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close during the night, without having to take the possibility that they could be shared with another baby. This could 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 safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and babies up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have slats which are wide and wide enough to allow air flow. They also come with a door and/or window that you can roll up or down when needed. This makes it easy to change your baby's diapers, nurse him or check on them throughout the night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
You want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded, making it easy to move around your home or take away with you. It is also easy to clean, and come with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. The pocket at the other end can be used to store spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is flat, firm, and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it's in line with the size of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be extremely beneficial to you, especially if you are recovering from a C-section.
Some models come with useful extras, like an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses bin which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other extras 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 looking into the cost of the crib and the bedding included - it's often necessary to purchase separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great option for new mums. They allow them to monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of the bed. cot bedside are also useful for helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition like colic or reflux.
The best crib for your child is based on your needs and lifestyle. Consider the safety features and whether you can remove your baby from the crib to feed them or calm them. Also, check whether the crib comes with extras, such as rocking capabilities. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they still have great features, such as air-tight mesh, see-through sides, reflux incline option and an adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and has smart oak legs, so it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also easy to put together, fold and comes with a handy bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be removed during the day to allow you to hold your baby and co-sleep safely, but are raised again at 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 must ensure that the bedding you use to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There should not be gaps or other gaps, which could lead to an air suffocation. A majority of cribs come with a mattress. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores as they can become worn out and degrade with time and increase the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room room or to take along on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags so that you can take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the bed or suffocating. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six month with an additional mattress in the same space to minimize the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you select, bedside cribs could include features that enhance their convenience. For instance, one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach inside and take your baby. The model comes with a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this provided her with have a'simple access" to soothe their child.
Some models have additional extras like a rocking feature (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These can be useful to use if your baby is suffering from an illness that causes reflux. However, remember that your newborn should rest on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a model, consider the ease to keep clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector that can protect against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet, which allows you to change and wash it.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to build and how compact it is when folded away. Check if the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with an included bag to travel with. Check if the product comes with additional features like a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when traveling.