Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for an easy nighttime feeding, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the ideal choice. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines 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 fit your bed height and swivels all 360 degrees for easy access. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep your baby close throughout the night without putting them at risk of overheating or suffocating. They can be attached 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 recovering from having a c-section. But there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.
When you're looking for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're choosing a model that complies with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled due to the fact that they permit children to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they could pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November 2020.
The biggest change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs may not be made with completely drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to sleep on your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier as they sink below the mattress. All of the models in our list comply with these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also worth checking if the crib you're looking at is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is attached properly. This is particularly important if you plan to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, like the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It is also important to remember that the crib should be used only to sleep and should not be used with any bedding or other accessories, such as pillows, blankets, toys or animals that are stuffed. The official safe sleep guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only rest in their own bed space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to comfort your baby without getting out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, practical, and comfortable for your new baby and babies until 6 months old.
The best models feature excellent breathability and slats that are wide enough and open enough to allow air flow. You can also move the window or door as you need. This makes it easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models also include a swaddle sack to help you with a safe sleep routine.
large bedside crib should be compact and light when folded so that it is easy to carry around the home. It should also be easy to clean, with a a removable and washable mattress cover. large bedside crib on one side can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress, while others need to purchase separately. Be sure the mattress is firm, flat, and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to the bed's height. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be a great help to you, particularly when you recovering from a C section.
Certain models come with additional features that could be beneficial like tilting the tummy for reflux, or the ability to detach to transform into a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib rocks or folds down to lay flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth checking the price and the bedding included - it's often necessary to buy separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New mums are enthralled by the convenience of bedside cribs that let them monitor baby during feedings at night and diaper changes without having to get out of the bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a csection or after recovering from other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
The best crib for your child is based on your preferences and lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you'd like to be able to get your child from the crib to feed them or comfort them, and if it has any additional features, such as a rocking function. Also, look at the size and the height of your bed, and check that any crib you pick will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're packed with fantastic features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, as well as reflux incline options and adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and comes with stylish oak legs, which means it's perfect for your bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to allow you to touch your baby during the daytime and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience, but then appear again 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 for the first time.
The bedding you put in a bedside crib must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation hazards. A majority of cribs come with mattresses. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand 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, making them easier to move from room room or take with you when you go on vacation. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning you can easily bring them to short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or suffocating. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest that you only sleep with them for the first six months with an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model 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 is a swivel, and can be adjusted in height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. The model comes with a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this provided her with 'easy access" to comfort their child.
Certain models come with additional features for example, a rocking function (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are beneficial for children with a condition that can cause reflux, however, your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a model, consider the ease to clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and comes with a waterproof protector to keep away leaky nappies and dribbles. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to change it and wash it.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Be sure to check if the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with a bag included for travel. Check if the product comes with extras such as a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when traveling.