Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a fantastic option when you want your baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They adhere to the the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home test subjects love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close at night without the risk of suffering from suffocation. They can be attached to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your child during the night, and they're perfect for mothers recovering from the c-section. However, there's a lot to consider before you invest in one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib, make sure you're looking at an item that is in line with current safety standards. baby bedside cot of cribs older than that were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, baby bedside sleeper come with half-height walls, which still allow your baby to lie next to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a little 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 important to ensure that the crib you're considering purchasing is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is attached correctly. This is especially important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper, such as the free-standing Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby awards.
It is important to keep in mind that a crib is intended for sleep and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other items like blankets, toys, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines which state that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on an adult's bed, or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the likelihood of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed in the middle night. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have slats which are wide and wide enough to allow for airflow. You can also roll up and down the window or door as you need. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or examine their sleep at night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the house. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with a mattress, while others need to purchase separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to fit the bed's height. Especially if you're recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib with an adjustable height gives you a better chance of getting into and out of bed easily particularly in the early weeks of recovering.
Some models have extra features that could be beneficial for parents, like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or the ability to detach to transform into a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib rock or folds down to lay flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. Look at the cost and find out what bedding comes with the crib. It is common to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow mothers to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without having to get out of the bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from a C-section or any other medical issue like colic or reflux.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and requirements. Be aware of safety features and if you can take your baby out of the crib to feed them or calm them. Also, check if the crib has any additional features, like a rocking feature. Also, look at the size and the height of your bed and ensure that the crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled - they're still packed with fantastic features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, reflux incline options and an adjustable height. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It comes in three colours with elegant oak legs that fit into any bedroom. Plus, it's easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be removed during the day to allow the baby to be held and sleep safely and then raised at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.
You should make sure that the bedding used for a crib beside a bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings, which could lead to the suffocation. Most cribs are equipped with a mattress. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses, which may be worn out and become deteriorated over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room room, or to take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit into the carry bag, meaning they are easy to take to short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first 6 months and then have a separate mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.
The model you choose the crib that you choose for your bed could have features that make it more practical. For example one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach inside and take your baby. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this gave her 'easy access" to help their child.
Certain models include extra features such as a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are beneficial in the event that your child suffers from a condition that causes reflux, but your baby should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will to clean the model. Check whether the fabric can be machine washed and if it has a mattress protector with waterproof properties, which will protect from leaky nappies, baby sick or dribbles. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other things to consider are how easy it is to build and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure it is easy to put together and if it comes with an included bag to travel with. Take note of extras such as a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful for those who travel.