Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for the night without any fuss, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the best option. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home test subjects love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access. It also has an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It folds up easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep your baby close during the night without risking suffocation or overheating. They can be attached to your bed so that you can reach out and help or feed your child during the middle of night. They're also great for mums recovering after an c-section. There are a lot of things to consider before investing in one.
If This Web page looking for an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, ensure that the model you choose meets current safety standards. Many older cribs were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Check that the crib you pick meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be in place in November 2020.
The new regulations prohibit cribs 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 sleep next to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than the mattress. All of our models 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 Award 2017
It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is attached correctly. This is especially crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper, like the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It's also important to keep in mind that a crib is intended to sleep and should not be used with bedding or other accessories, like blankets, pillows, toys or stuffed animals. The official safe sleep guidelines from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only sleep in their own sleeping space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other type of mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of bed-sharing which can increase the likelihood of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without getting out of bed in the middle night. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have good airflow, with slats that are wide enough and open enough to let air flow. bedside crib and cot can also move the window or door according to your needs. It is easy to change your baby's diaper and nurse them or monitor them at the end of the night. Some models even come with a swaddle sack to help you to have a secure sleep routine.
It should be small 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. A pocket on one end is handy to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with a mattress, while others must purchase separately. Make sure the mattress is firm, flat and airy. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to fit the bed's height. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height can be very beneficial for you, particularly when you recovering from a C-section.
Certain models have additional features that are useful, such as a tummy tilt for reflux, or the ability to detach to become a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage, or comes with bags. It's also worth determining how much the model costs and the bedding included - it's usually necessary to purchase additional sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New mums appreciate the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to keep an eye on baby during night feedings and nappy changes without having to get out of the bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from C-section or any other medical issue such as colic or reflux.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and needs. Apart from the obvious safety features, think about whether you'd like to be able to get your child from the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it comes with additional features like a rocking function. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that the crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically cheaper than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're packed with great features like air-tight mesh and transparent sides, reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and features stylish oak legs, so it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold up, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to allow you to touch your baby during the day, and for a safer co-sleeping environment, but then pop up again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, though one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed must be fitted properly and should not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation dangers. This is why a lot of cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they will wear out and deteriorate with time increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much more lightweight 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 a carry bag to allow you to transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and babies because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the risk of them rolling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to remember that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your baby during the first six months - with an additional bed in the same space, to lower the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick the bedside crib could include features that make it more convenient. For example one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy to reach into the crib and pick up your little one. The model comes with a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this gave her have a'simple access" to help their child.
Some models have additional extras, such as the ability to rock (useful for fussy babies) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These are beneficial for children with a condition which triggers reflux, however your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Check if the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to change it and wash it.
Think about the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Check if it's easy to attach to your bed, and if it has a bag to use to take it with you on your travels. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as tilting the tummy or the option of turning it into moses baskets for older children - this can be useful for travelling.