Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great choice for parents who want their baby to be close for a peaceful nighttime feeding. These co-sleepers offer 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.
This crib is a favored by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to fit your bed's height and rotates to 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep baby close by at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They attach to your bed, so you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mums recovering after an c-section. There are a lot of things to consider prior to purchasing one.
When you're looking for a bedside crib, make sure you're choosing a model that complies with current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of 2020.
The biggest change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs can not be made with completely drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to lie beside your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier since they are a bit below your 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
Make sure that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is securely anchored. This is especially crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping 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 a crib should be used only for sleeping purposes and should not be used with any bedding or accessories, like pillows, blankets, toys, or toys for stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed for an adult, or any other kind of soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child safe during the night, without having to take the risk that they may be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical and comfortable for your new baby and babies up until 6 months old.
The best models have slats that are wide and open enough to allow for air flow. You can also roll up and down the door or window as you need. This makes it easier to nurse, change your baby or monitor them throughout the night. Some models include a swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
You'll want a mattress that is light and compact when folded making it easy to move around your home or transport to your destination. It should also be easy to clean, with a a removable and washable mattress cover. The pocket on one side can be used to store spare diapers and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with a mattress and others you have to buy separately. Make sure the mattress is flat, firm, and comfortable. Avoid using second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height that it is in line with the height of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be very beneficial for you, particularly if you are recovering from a C section.
Certain models have additional features that are useful for parents, like a tummy tilt for reflux, or detachable to become a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib rock or folds down to lay flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth determining the cost of the crib 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 a fantastic alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow mothers to monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of their bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from C-section or any other medical issue like colic or reflux.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and needs. In addition to the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be able to lift your child from the crib to feed them or calm them and if it comes with any additional features, such as a rocking function. Also, consider the dimensions and height of your bed and make sure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they have amazing features, like breathable mesh and see through sides, reflux incline option and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and has smart oak legs, so it's perfect for your bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold up, and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be lowered during the day to allow you to touch your baby and sleep in a safe manner, 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 testers had difficulty getting it to operate initially.
The bedding you put in a crib bed must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation risks. This is why a lot of cribs come with a fitted mattress, but you can find suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. It is a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they may be worn out and become deteriorated over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are lighter and more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room or to take along on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, so that you can easily take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. But, it's important to note that official safe sleep guidance 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 room to lower the chance of SIDS.
Depending on which cot bedside pick the crib that you choose for your bed could have features that make it more convenient. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted in the height so that it is easier to reach and pick your child up. The model also has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester described as giving an easy access to soothe their baby.
Some models include additional features for example, the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are helpful if your child has a condition that can cause reflux, however, your newborn should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a model, consider the ease to clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a waterproof protector to keep away leaky nappies and dribbles. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Think about the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Consider whether it is easy to connect to your bed and if it comes with a bag for travel. Lastly, consider if it has extras like tilting the tummy or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older children. This can be useful for travelling.