Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great choice for parents who want their baby close by for fuss-free evening feeding. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a popular choice among home testers since it can be adjusted to fit the bed's height, and it swivels a full 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 to you at night without fear of suffering from suffocation. They can be attached to your bed, which means you can reach out to comfort or feed your child during the middle of the night. They're also great for mothers recovering from a c section. There's plenty to think about before purchasing one.
If you're looking for a crib to put next to your bed, ensure that the model you choose is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A lot of cribs older than that were recalled because they permit children to fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Check that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be in place in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit bedside cribs from having sides that completely drop down. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to lay beside your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier since they are a bit beneath your mattress. All of the models in our list meet the new standards which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Check that the crib is securely affixed to your bed, and that it is correctly fixed. This is especially important if you intend 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 also important to remember that the crib should only be used for sleeping purposes and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories, like pillows, blankets toys, or toys for stuffed animals. Official advice for safe sleep from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should sleep in their own sleep space, in their own crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or any other mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close during the night, without having to take the risk that they may be shared with other babies. This can increase the risk of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and soothe your baby in the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies as young as 6 months old.
The best models have slats that are wide and wide enough to allow air flow. They also have a door and/or window that can be rolled up or down when needed. bedside crib travel makes it easier to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on them throughout the night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded so it's easy to move around the house or take away with you. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one side can be useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress, while others have to buy separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm, and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height so that it's in line with the size of your own bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be extremely beneficial to you, especially if you recovering from a C Section.
Some models include useful extras, like an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or a detachable moses' basket which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage or comes with bags. Check the price and see what bedding is included in the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for new mums. They allow mothers to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes, without getting out of bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a csection or after recovering from other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and requirements. Consider the safety features and if you are able to lift your baby from the crib in order to feed or calm them. Also, check whether the crib is equipped with extras, such as rocking features. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that the crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be cheaper than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you - they're still packed with great features like air-tight mesh and transparent sides, as well as reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs to make it a great fit for any bedroom. Plus, it's easy to assemble and fold and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be removed in the daytime to allow you to touch your baby and sleep in a safe manner and then raised at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use for the first time.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed should be a good fit and must not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation dangers. A majority of cribs come with a mattress. However sheets are available that will fit in the majority of retailers. It's a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they are prone to wear and degrade over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room to room, or to take when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, so that you can easily take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and newborns because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the risk of them falling off your mattress or suffocating. It's important to remember that the official guidelines for safe sleep 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 space, to lower the risk of SIDS.
Depending on which model you choose the crib that you choose for your bed could include features that make it more comfortable. For example, one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach in and take your baby. The model comes with a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester said that this gave her gain access" to comfort their child.
Some models have additional extras, such as the ability to rock (useful for fussy babies) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are helpful for children with a condition that triggers reflux, however your newborn should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
When choosing a model take into consideration the ease to clean. Find out if the fabric can be machine washed and if there's a mattress protector with waterproof properties, which will protect from leaky nappies, infant sick or spills. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Consider the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Be sure to check if the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with bags included to travel with. Additionally, take note of whether it has extras like a tummy tilt or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older babies - this can be useful for travelling.