Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close for an easy nighttime feeding, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the ideal choice. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They follow official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home testers love the fact that the crib can rotate 360 degrees to make it easy to access and has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of being suffocated. They attach to your bed, which means you can reach out to comfort or feed your child in the middle night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from having a c-section. There are many things to think about before purchasing one.
When looking for a crib to place beside your bed, ensure that the crib you select meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled due to the fact that they allow babies to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they can pose a danger of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of 2020.
The most significant change to the new rules is that bedside cribs may not be made with completely drop-down sides. Instead, the majority of models have 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lay close to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than the mattress. All of the models on our list comply with these new requirements, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also important to ensure that the crib you're looking at is able to attach securely to your bed and is attached properly. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping 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 crucial to keep in mind that a crib is only meant for sleeping, and is not meant to be used with bedding or other accessories like blankets, toys, pillows, or stuffed animal. The official safe sleep guidelines 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 that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child in close proximity throughout the night, without the risk that they may be shared with other babies. travel bedside crib 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 needing to get out of bed. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, easy to use and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies until 6 months of age.
The most effective models come with slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow for air flow. They also feature a door and/or window that you can roll up or down as needed. This makes it easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them or check on them during the night. Some models even come with an swaddle bag to assist you to have a secure sleep routine.
You'll want a mattress that is light and compact when folded making it easy to move around the house or take away with you. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one side is handy to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress, while others have to buy separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed for your specific model and is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid using second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height so that it's in line with the size of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be a great help for you, particularly when you are recovering from a C Section.
Certain models have additional features that can be useful for parents, like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detach to become a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib is rocking or folds down to lay flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. Look at the cost and find out what bedding is included in the crib. It is usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow mothers to monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of the bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition such as colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib is contingent on your needs and lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be capable of lifting your child from the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it comes with additional features like a rocking function. Also, take a look at the dimensions and height of your bed and make sure that the crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they have excellent features, including air-tight mesh, see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and a height that can be adjusted. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and features stylish oak legs, so it's perfect for your bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to put together and fold, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be lowered in the daytime to allow you to hold your baby and sleep in a safe manner however, they are raised at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
It is essential to ensure that the bedding you use for a crib beside a bed is properly fitted. There should not be gaps or other gaps, which could lead to an air suffocation. Most cribs are equipped with a mattress. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they are likely to wear out and degrade with time and increase the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or to take along when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, meaning you can easily bring them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without worrying about them rolling off the mattress or suffocating. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first 6 months and then have an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you pick, bedside cribs can include features that enhance their convenience. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test swivels, and can be adjusted in the height to make it easier for you reach in and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester reported gave an easy access to soothe their baby.
Certain models come with additional features, such as a rocking feature (useful for fussy babies) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux but remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will to clean the model. Check whether the fabric can be washed by machine and if it comes with a mattress protector that is waterproof, which will protect from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet that allows you to change it and wash it.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Consider whether it is easy to attach to your bed and whether it comes with a bag for travel. Consider if the product has additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the possibility of converting it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when traveling.