Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great option if you want your baby to be close for a peaceful evening feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a popular choice among home testers because it can be adjusted to fit the bed's height, and it swivels all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep baby close by during the night without risking overheating or suffocating. They are attached to your bed, so you can reach out and soothe or feed your child in the middle night. They're also great for mums recovering after a c section. There are many things to think about before purchasing one.
When you're looking for a bedside crib ensure you're buying an item that is in line with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Check that the crib you select is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be in place in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, the majority of models have half-height walls, which still allow your baby to lay next to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than the mattress. All of the models we have listed 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.
Verify that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is properly anchored. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system, such as the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go 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 to sleep and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories, like blankets, pillows, toys or toys for stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep advice that states that babies should sleep only in their cribs or cots and not on an adult's bed, or any other kind of soft furniture.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close during the night, without having to take the risk that they may be shared with other babies. This could increase the chance of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach over and soothe your baby in the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, easy to use and comfortable for your new baby and babies until 6 months of age.
The most effective models have good breathability and slats that are open and wide enough to let air flow. You can also move the door or window as you need. It's easy to change the diaper of your baby, nurse them, or monitor their sleep at the end of the night. Some models even come with a swaddle sack to help you sleep in a safe routine.
It should be small and light when folded, so that it is easy to carry around the home. It must also be easy to clean, with a removable and washable mattress cover. A pocket on the other side is handy to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with a mattress and others you have to buy separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm, and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to match the bed's height. Especially if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a better chances of getting in and out of bed quickly especially in the initial days of recovering.
Certain models have additional features that are useful, such as tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or the ability to detach to transform into a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage, or comes with a bag. It's also worth checking how much the model costs and what bedding is 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 mothers who are new. They allow them to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a c-section or in the aftermath of other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.
Choosing the best bedside crib for you depends on your requirements and your lifestyle. Apart from 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. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're packed with great features like air-tight mesh and transparent sides, as well as reflux incline options and adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It comes in three colors and features stylish oak legs, which means it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold up, and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be removed in the daytime to allow you to touch your baby and sleep safely, but are raised again at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.
The bedding you put in a crib for bed should be a good fit and not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation risks. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. newborn bedside cot 's a good idea avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they are prone to wear and deteriorate over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to move from room rooms, or to take on trips on. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit in bags, so you can easily bring them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or suffocating. However, it's important to note that official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby for the first six months - with an additional bed in the same room to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model you choose, bedside cribs may feature features that increase their convenience. For instance, one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy to reach inside and pick up your little one. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this allowed her to 'easy access" to soothe their child.
Some models have additional extras like a rocking feature (useful for babies who are fussy) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux, but keep in mind that your baby must rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a model, consider the ease to clean. Check whether the fabric can be washed by machine and if there's a mattress protector with waterproof properties, which will protect from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet that makes it easier for you to wash and change it.
Consider the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Consider whether it is easy to connect to your bed, and if it has a bag to use to take it with you on your travels. Additionally, take note of whether it comes with extras such as a tummy tilt or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older children. This is a great option for traveling.