Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for fuss-free feeding at night A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the perfect choice. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They are based on the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home testers love that this crib swivels 360deg for easy access. It also features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep your baby close during the night without risking suffocation or overheating. They can be attached to the sides of your bed so that you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your infant in the middle of the night, and they're perfect for mothers recovering from a c-section. However, there's a lot to think about before purchasing one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib, ensure you're buying one that meets current safety standards. Many older cribs were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Make sure the crib you select is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which is scheduled to be launched in November 2020.
The new rules forbid cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Most cribs have "half height' walls, which still allow your child to sleep next to your bed, but also offer a more secure protection since they are a bit beneath your mattress. All of the models we have listed 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.
It's also important to ensure that the crib you're considering is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is attached properly. This is especially crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping 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 also important to remember that a crib is intended to sleep and should not be used with bedding or other accessories, like blankets, pillows toys or toys for stuffed animals. 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 for an adult, or any other type of soft furniture.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child safe throughout the night, without the danger that they might be shared with other babies. This could increase the risk of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach out and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies up to 6 months old.
The best models feature good airflow and slats that are wide enough to allow air flow. They also have an opening or window that can be folded up or down as needed. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby and nurse them or monitor their sleep at the end of the night. Some models also come with a swaddle sack to help you to have a secure sleep routine.
It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the house. It is also easy to clean, and come with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on the other side can be useful to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use the mattress, while other require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure the mattress is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height that it is in line with the height of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a better chance of getting into and out of bed quickly particularly in the early weeks when you're still healing.
Certain models have additional features that could be beneficial for parents, like a tummy tilt for 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 determining the cost of the crib and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to buy separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New mothers are enthralled by the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that let them monitor their baby during night feedings and changing nappy without getting out of the bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from a C-section or other medical condition like colic or reflux.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and requirements. Aside from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you'd like to be able to get your baby out of the crib to feed them or calm them, and if it has any extras such as the ability to rock. Examine the height and size of your bed to make sure that the crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, but they still have excellent features, including the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, reflux incline option and an adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect sleeper. It's available in three colors with stylish oak legs to fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold up, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs have side panels that can be lowered during the day to allow the baby to be held and co-sleep safely and then raised at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, though one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use at first.
The bedding you choose to use in a bedside crib must be fitted properly and must not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation hazards. This is why a lot of cribs come with mattresses that are fitted, but sheets that are suitable for use at most stores. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they may be worn out and become deteriorated over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or carry when you go on vacation. Discover More are small enough to fit into a carry bag so that you can easily transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for new babies and parents as they let you see your baby at night without the fear of them falling off the mattress or suffocating. But, rocking bedside crib to keep in mind that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby for the first six months - with a separate bed in the same space, to lower the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you choose, bedside cribs may have features that add to their convenience. For wooden bedside cot of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach inside and take your baby. The model comes with a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester said that this provided her with have a'simple access" to comfort their child.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking function (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are useful for children with an illness that causes reflux, but your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Think about how easy it is to clean the model. Make sure the fabric can be washed by machine and if it comes with a mattress protector with waterproof properties that protects you from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet that makes it easier for you to change and wash it.
Consider the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Be sure to check if it is easy to attach and if there's an included bag for travel. Lastly, consider if it has extras like a tummy tilt or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older children. This can be useful for travelling.