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 crib that is positioned at the bedside is the best option. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They follow strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a popular choice by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels to 360 degrees for easy access. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close at night without the risk of suffocation. They attach to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your baby in the middle of the night, and they're perfect for mothers recovering from the c-section. There are a variety of factors to think about before purchasing one.
When you're looking for a bedside crib make sure you're choosing an item that is in line with current safety standards. Many older cribs have been recalled because they permit children to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of 2020.
The most significant change to the new regulations is that bedside cribs can not have drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to lay on your bed, but also offer a more secure protection as they sink beneath your mattress. All of the models we have listed meet the new standards, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Make sure that the crib is securely affixed to your bed, and that it is securely anchored. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleep 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 important to remember, too, that a crib is only intended for sleep and is not meant to be used with bedding or other items like pillows, blankets, toys or stuffed animals. bedside cots uk from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only rest in their own bed space, in their own crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or any other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child safe at night, without the risk that they may be shared with other babies. This could increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach out and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, convenient, and comfortable for your new baby and babies until 6 months of age.
The most effective models come with slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow air circulation. You can also roll up and down the window or door depending on your needs. This makes it easier to nurse, change your baby, or check on them during the night. Some models even come with an swaddle bag to assist you sleep in a safe routine.
You want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded making it easy to move around your home or to take with you on your travels. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. The pocket at one end can be used to store spare diapers and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include a mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure the mattress is firm, flat, and breathable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to the bed's height. Particularly if you're recovering from C-section surgery A bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a better chances of getting in and out of bed with ease, especially during the early weeks when you're still recovering.
Certain models have additional features that are useful like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detachable to transform into a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rock and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
New moms are enthralled by the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that let them monitor baby during night feedings and diaper changes without getting out of bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from a c-section or other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. Be aware of safety features and whether you will be able take your baby out of the crib in order to feed or soothe them. Also, check whether the crib is equipped with extras, such as rocking features. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that any crib you select can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be cheaper than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're packed with great features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and has smart oak legs, which means it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to let you hold your baby during the daytime and for a safer co-sleeping environment however, they come back up at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, but one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to use at first.
You must make sure that the bedding you use for a crib next to a bed is properly fitted. There should not be gaps or other gaps, that could lead to an air suffocation. A majority of cribs come with mattresses. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can become worn out and degrade with time, increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to transport from room to rooms, or to take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag so that you can transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without worrying about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend that you only sleep with them for the first 6 months and then have a separate mattress in the same space to minimize the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you pick, bedside cribs can have features that add to 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. This model has a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester said that this provided her with 'easy access" to comfort their child.
Some models have extra features 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, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When choosing a model, consider how easy it will be to keep clean. Check whether the fabric can be washed by machine and if there's a mattress protector that is waterproof that will shield you from leaky nappies, baby sick or dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet, which makes it easier for you to change and wash it.
Think about the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Make sure it is easy to put together and if it comes with a bag included to travel with. Lastly, consider if it has extras like tilting your tummy or the possibility of turning it into a moses basket for older babies - this is a great option for traveling.