Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great choice when you want your baby close by for fuss-free evening feeding. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home testers love that this crib rotates 360deg to make it easy to access and comes with an adjustable mattress to fit your bed. It folds up easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep your baby close during the night without risking overheating or suffocating. They are attached to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child during the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from the c-section. There are many things to consider prior to purchasing one.
If you are choosing a crib to place beside your bed, ensure that the model you choose is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled because they let children fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Be sure that the crib you select is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be in place in November 2020.
The biggest change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs may not have drop-down sides. Instead, the majority of models have 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to sleep next to your bed but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking slightly lower than the mattress. All of the models on our list meet the new standards which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
It's also important to ensure that the crib you're considering is able to attach securely to your bed and is anchored properly. This is particularly 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 and Baby Awards.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a crib is only intended for sleep and should not be used with bedding or other accessories like pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animal. 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 a bed that is used by an adult or any other type or soft furniture.
Comfort
A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach out 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, convenient and comfortable for your new baby and babies up until 6 months of age.
The best models have slats which are wide and open enough to allow for air flow. They also have a door and/or window that can be rolled up or down depending on the need. This makes it easier to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or check on them during the night. Some models also come with an swaddle bag to assist you to have a secure sleep routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded so it's easy to move around the house or to take with you on your travels. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on the other side is handy to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with mattresses, while others have to buy separately. Make sure the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is firm, flat and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering C-sections, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a better chance of getting into and out of bed with ease especially in the initial weeks of healing.
Some models have extra features that can be useful like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or the ability to detach to transform into a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat to store, or comes with a bag. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and the bedding included - it's usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They let them monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes without having to get out of their bed. They also help babies settle after c-section, or after recovering from other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and requirements. Apart from the obvious safety features, consider whether you'd like to be able to lift your child out of the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it includes any extras such as rocking functions. Also, take a look at the dimensions and height of your bed and check that any crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, however they do have some great features, such as breathable mesh and see through sides, reflux incline option and adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with stylish oak legs that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to let you hold your baby during the daytime and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience However, they will appear again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, although one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use initially.
It is essential to make sure that the bedding you use for a crib next to a bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings, which could lead to suffocation. This is the reason that many cribs have an adjustable mattress, however you can purchase suitable sheets at most retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they are likely to wear out and deteriorate with time and increase the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to transport from room to rooms, or to take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags so that you can easily transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. bedside cots to note that official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your child for the first six months - with a separate bed in the same space, to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick, bedside cribs can feature features that increase their convenience. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted in the height to make it easier to reach and pick up your child. This model has a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester reported that this provided her with gain access" to help their child.
Certain models come with additional features, such as a rocking feature (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby suffers from a condition that causes reflux. However, keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a fabric take into consideration how easy it will be to clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and has a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet, which allows you to change and wash it.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Be sure to check if the bed 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 option to turn it into a moses basket for older children - this can be useful for travelling.
