Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great choice if you want your baby to be close for a peaceful evening feeding. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favorite by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to suit the bed's height, and it swivels to 360 degrees for easy access. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without fear of suffering from suffocation. They are attached to your bed, so you can reach out and soothe or feed your child during the middle of night. They're also great for mothers who are recovering from a c section. But there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.
When searching for an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, be sure that the model you choose conforms to current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Be sure that the crib you pick is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which will be launched in November 2020.
The new rules forbid bedside cribs from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, most models feature '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 the mattress. All of the models we have listed are in compliance with these new standards. 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 that the crib you're considering is able to attach securely to your bed and is attached correctly. This is particularly important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper, such as the free-standing Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It's important to remember, too, that a crib is only meant for sleeping, and should not be used with bedding or accessories such as toys, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should only sleep in their crib or cot and not on an adult's bed, or any other type of soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child in close proximity throughout the night, without the risk that they may be shared with other babies. This can increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach out 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's safe, easy to use and comfortable for your newborn baby and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have excellent breathability with slats wide enough to let air flow. You can also roll up and down the window or door as you need. This makes it simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them or check on them during the night. Some models include an swaddle bag that can 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. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. The pocket at one end can be used to store extra baby clothes and nappies.
Some cribs with a bedside include mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure that the mattress is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height that it matches the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height can be extremely beneficial to you, especially when you recovering from a C section.
Some models have extra features that could be beneficial for parents, like a tummy tilt for reflux, or the ability to detach to make a moses' basket and later toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat to store, or comes with a bag. Find out the price and what bedding comes with the crib. It is often necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
New moms love the convenience of bedside cribs that let them keep an eye on baby during night feedings and changing nappy without getting out of bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a csection or in the aftermath of other medical conditions, such as colic or reflux.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and requirements. In addition to the obvious safety features, think about whether you'd like to be capable of lifting your child out of the crib to feed them or soothe them, and if it has any additional features, such as rocking functions. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they still have amazing features, like air-tight mesh, see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with elegant oak legs that fit into 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 have side panels that lower down to let you touch your baby during the day and for safer co-sleeping however, they come back up at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, although one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to operate initially.
It is essential to make sure that the bedding you choose for a crib beside a bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings, which could cause an air suffocation. That's why many cribs come with a fitted mattress, but sheets that are suitable for use at a variety of retailers. It's a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they are prone to wear and degrade over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to transport from room to room, or to take on trips on. bedside rocking crib are small enough to fit in a carry bag to allow you to transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to note that official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your child for the first six months - with a separate bed in the same room to lower the chance of SIDS.
Depending on which model you choose, the bedside crib may include features that make it more comfortable. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test swivels, and is adjustable in the height to make it easier to reach and pick up your child. The sidewall of this model that dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this allowed her to have a'simple access" to soothe their child.
Some models come with extras such as a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby suffers from a condition that causes reflux, but be aware that your baby should sleep on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it is be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric is machine washable and if it has a mattress protector that is waterproof that will shield you from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet that allows you to change and wash it.
Other things to consider are the ease with which it can assemble and how compact when folded away. Consider whether it is easy to connect to your bed and whether it has a bag to use to take it with you on your travels. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when traveling.