Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great option if you want your baby to be close for a peaceful nighttime 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 by home testers due to the fact that it is adjustable to match your bed height and swivels to 360 degrees for easy access. It is easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close at night without risk of being suffocated. They can be attached to the side of your bed so that 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 consider before investing in one.
When you're looking for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're looking at a model that complies with current safety standards. Many older cribs have been recalled because they allow babies to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they 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, which was introduced in November 2020.
The most significant change to the new rules is that bedside cribs can not be made with completely drop-down sides. Instead, the majority of models have 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lie next to your bed but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than your mattress. All models on our list meet the 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
It's also worth checking if the crib you're looking at is able to attach securely to your bed and is anchored properly. This is especially important if you intend 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 meant for sleeping, and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other items like pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should only sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close at night, without the risk that they may be shared with another baby. This could increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed in the middle night. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your infant baby and infants up to 6 months of age.
The most effective models have good airflow with slats open and wide enough to allow airflow. You can also roll up and down the door or window depending on your needs. This makes it easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them or monitor them throughout the night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be small and light when folded so that it is easy to transport around the house. It must also be easy to clean, and come with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. The pocket on one side can be used to store spare baby clothes and nappies.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase one separately. Be sure the mattress is firm, flat, and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to fit the bed's height. Particularly if you're recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib with an adjustable height will give you a better chance of getting in and out of bed with ease particularly in the early days of recovering.
Some models come with useful extras, like an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses bin which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage or comes with bags. It's also worth checking the price and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to purchase separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New mums appreciate the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to monitor their baby during feedings at night and nappy changes without having to get out of the bed. best bedside cot are also useful for helping babies recover from a C-section or other medical condition like colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib is contingent on your preferences and your lifestyle. Consider the safety features and if you are able to remove your baby from the crib in order to feed or calm them. Also, make sure to check whether the crib is equipped with additional features, like rocking features. Also, consider the dimensions and the height of your bed, and check that any crib you select can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be cheaper than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're still loaded with fantastic features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, as well as reflux incline options and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with elegant oak legs that make it a great fit for any bedroom. It's also easy to fold and assemble, and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered during the day to allow the baby to be held and sleep safely and then raised at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, but one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to operate initially.
You must make sure that the bedding used to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other gaps, that could lead to an air suffocation. This is why a lot of cribs come with mattresses that are fitted, but you can purchase suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which can be worn down and become deteriorated over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to move from room to space, or take when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit into the carry bag, meaning you can easily take them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the mattress or suffocating. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first 6 months with an additional mattress in the same room to reduce the chance of SIDS.
The model you pick, the bedside crib may have features that make it more comfortable. 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 to reach and pick up your child. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this provided her with 'easy access" to help their child.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are useful to use if your baby is suffering from an illness that causes reflux but remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a model, consider the ease to clean. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable and if it has a waterproof protector that can protect against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to put together and how compact when folded away. Make sure it's easy to connect to your bed and whether it comes with a bag to take it with you on your travels. Also, think about if it comes with extras such as tilting your tummy or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older children - this can be useful for travelling.