Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great choice if you want your baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe 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 is adjustable to match your bed's height and rotates to 360 degrees to make it easy to access. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close to you at night without fear of suffocation. They attach to your bed, which means you can reach out and soothe or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. There are a variety of factors to consider before investing in one.
When shopping for a bedside crib ensure you're buying one that meets current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled due to the fact that they let children fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure the crib you select is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which is scheduled to be launched in November 2020.
The most significant change to the new regulations is that bedside cribs may not be made with completely drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lie 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 are in compliance with these new standards. 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 attached correctly. This is especially important if you intend 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 for sleeping and should never be used with any bedding or other accessories, such as pillows, blankets, toys, or animals that are stuffed. Official safe sleep advice from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only sleep in their own sleep space in their crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or any other mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close by at night without the risk of bed-sharing, which could increase the risk 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 safe and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have good breathability with slats open and wide enough to allow air flow. You can also roll up and down the door or window according to your needs. This makes it simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or monitor them throughout the night. bedside crib or cot come with the swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be small and light in its fold so that it is easy to transport around the house. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on the other side is handy to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include the mattress, while other require you to purchase a mattress separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed for your specific model and is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it is in line with the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be very beneficial to you, especially in the event that you are recovering from a C-section.
Certain models come with additional features that are useful for parents, like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detachable to become a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat for storage or comes with a bag. It's also worth checking the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's often necessary to buy separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New mums appreciate the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that allow them to monitor their baby during night feeds and changing nappy without getting 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 best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and needs. Take into consideration the safety features and whether you can lift your baby from the crib to feed them or soothe them. Also, check if the crib has any additional features, like rocking capabilities. Also, take a look at the size and the height of your bed and make sure that the crib you pick can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, however they have great features, such as the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with elegant oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be lowered in the daytime to allow the baby to be held and co-sleep safely, but are raised 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 operate initially.
It is essential to ensure that the bedding you use for a crib beside a bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings, that could lead to the suffocation. That's why many cribs come with an adjustable mattress, however sheets that are suitable for use at most retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores as they can become worn out and degrade with time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to transport from room to rooms, or to take on vacation. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, meaning they are easy to take with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the bed or suffocating. However, it's important to keep in mind that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby during the first six months with a separate bed in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model you pick, bedside cribs can include features that enhance their ease of use. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and is adjustable in height to make it easier for you reach in and pick up your child. The model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester said gave her 'easy access' to comfort their infant.
Some models come with extras like a rocking function (great for fussy babies) or incline settings that help with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux. However, keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it is be to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a mattress protector with waterproof properties that protects you from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to change it and wash it.
Other factors to consider include how easy it is to put together and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure it is easy to attach and if there's bags included to carry it on the road. Additionally, take note of whether it has additional features like tilting the tummy or the option of turning it into moses baskets for older babies - this could be helpful for travel.