Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close for fuss-free feeding at night, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the best option. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They follow strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favorite by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to suit your bed's height and rotates all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep your baby close during the night without risking overheating or suffocating. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach out and help or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from a c section. There's plenty to consider before you invest in one.
If you're searching for a crib to put next to your bed, be sure that the model you choose is safe and meets the current standards for safety. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Make sure the crib you select is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which will be in place in November 2020.
The biggest change in the new rules is that bedside cribs will no longer have completely drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to sleep next to your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier because they sink a little below the mattress. All models on our list 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 that the crib you're considering is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is anchored correctly. This is especially crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleep 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 important to remember, too, that a crib is meant for sleeping, and is not meant to be used with bedding or accessories such as toys, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should only sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child safe at night, without the risk that they may be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and soothe 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 infants up to 6 months old.
The top models offer good airflow, with slats that are open and wide enough to let air flow. You can also roll up and down the window or door as you need. This makes it simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models come with the 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 house. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. The pocket at the other end can be used to store extra baby clothes and nappies.
Some bedside cribs include a mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make bedside cot wooden that the mattress is firm, flat and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height so that it matches the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height can be very beneficial for you, particularly when you are recovering from a C Section.
Certain models have additional features that could be beneficial like a tummy tilt for reflux, or the ability to detach to make a moses' basket, and later a toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat for storage or comes with a bag. Look at the cost and find out what bedding comes with the crib. It is often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for new mums. They allow them to monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of the bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition such as colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib for your child is based on your preferences and lifestyle. In addition to the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you'd like to be capable of lifting your baby out of the crib to feed them or calm them, and if it has additional features like the ability to rock. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that the crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, however they still have great features, such as the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, incline options for reflux and adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered during the day to allow you to touch your baby and co-sleep safely, but are raised again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, though one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to operate initially.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed should be a good fit and must not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation risks. That's why many cribs come with a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses, which can be worn down and become deteriorated over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room to room or to take along during holidays. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags, so you can easily bring them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to see your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the bed or suffocating. It's important to note that official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your child for the first six months - with a separate bed in the same space, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model you choose, bedside cribs may include features that enhance their convenience. For example one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height so it's easy to reach inside and take your baby. The model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which an MFM home tester reported gave her "easy access" to comfort their baby.
Some models have extra features such as a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings that help with reflux. These are useful for children with a condition which triggers reflux, however your newborn should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a fabric take into consideration the ease to clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a mattress protector with waterproof properties, which will protect from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to assemble and how compact it is when folded away. Check if it's easy to connect to your bed, and if it comes with a bag for travelling. Consider if the product has additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the ability to convert it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature for those who travel.