Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close to you for the night without any fuss, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the best option. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a popular choice among home testers because it is adjustable to match your bed's height and rotates a full 360 degrees for easy access. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by throughout the night without putting them at risk of overheating or suffocating. They can be attached to the side of your bed, so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your baby in the middle of the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from an op. There are a variety of factors to think about before purchasing one.
When you're looking 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 allow babies to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they could pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Be sure that the crib you select meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be introduced in November 2020.
The biggest change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs will not have drop-down sides. Instead, the majority of models have half-height walls that allow your baby to lay next to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a little lower than the mattress. All of our models meet these new requirements. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Make sure that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is correctly anchored. This is especially important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system, such as the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother and Baby Awards.
It's important to remember that a crib is only meant for sleeping, and should not be used with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets, toys or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines which state that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on an adult's bed, or any other type of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close by at night without the threat of bed-sharing which can increase the likelihood of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, convenient and comfortable for your new baby and babies up until 6 months of age.
The most effective models have good breathability and slats that are wide enough and open enough to allow air flow. They also feature a door and/or window that you can roll up or down as needed. It is easy to change your baby's diaper or nurse them, or examine them at night. Some models also include an swaddle bag to assist you with a safe sleep routine.
You want a model that is lightweight and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around your home or transport to your destination. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket at one end can be used to store extra baby clothes and nappies.
Some bedside cribs come with a mattress, while others must purchase separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is specifically designed for your model and is supple, flat and airy. Avoid using second-hand mattresses because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to fit the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering C-section surgery, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a better chance of getting in and out of bed easily particularly in the early weeks of healing.
Some models have extra features that can be useful, such as tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detach to become a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rock or folds down to lay flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. Check the price and see what bedding is included with the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow them to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes, without getting out of bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after c-section, or after recovering from other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Aside from the obvious safety features, think about whether you'd like to be capable of lifting your baby out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it comes with any additional features, such as a rocking function. Also, take a look at the size and the height of your bed and make sure that the crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, but they still have excellent features, including breathable mesh and see through sides, an option for reflux incline and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with elegant oak legs that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold up, and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be removed in the daytime to allow you to hold your baby and sleep safely however, they are raised at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, though one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to operate initially.
You must make sure that the bedding you choose for a crib next to a bed is properly fitted. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings which could lead to an air suffocation. A majority of cribs come with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that are suitable for most stores. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they are likely to wear out and become worse with age, 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 rooms, or to take on vacation. travel bedside crib are small enough to fit in the carry bag, so that you can easily take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for new babies and parents as they let you see your baby at night without the fear of them falling off your mattress or getting suffocated. 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 for 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 the height to make it easier to reach and pick your child up. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this allowed her to 'easy access" to soothe their child.
Some models have extra features such as a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings that help with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby has a condition that causes reflux. However, keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat and firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a model be aware of the ease to keep clean. Check if the fabric is machine washable and has a waterproof protector that can keep away leaky nappies and drips. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other things to consider are the ease with which it can assemble and how compact when folded away. Make sure the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with a bag included for travel. Consider if the product has additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the capability to transform it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when travelling.