Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great option when you want your baby to be close for a peaceful nighttime feeding. They're a safe 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 favored by home testers due to the fact that it is adjustable to match the bed's height, and it swivels to 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without fear of being suffocated. They attach to the sides of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your infant in the middle of the night, and they're suitable for mothers who are recovering from a c-section. There's plenty to think about before you purchase one.
When looking for an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, ensure that the crib you pick is safe and meets the current standards for safety. Many older cribs were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new rules is that bedside cribs may not be made with completely drop-down sides. Instead, many models come with half-height walls, which still allow your baby to sleep next to your bed but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a little lower than the mattress. All of the models in our list comply with these new requirements and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Make sure that the crib is securely affixed to your bed and that it is properly secured. This is especially important if you plan to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, 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 is important to keep in mind that a crib is only designed for sleeping and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other accessories like blankets, toys, pillows or stuffed animals. Official advice for safe sleep from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should sleep in their own sleeping space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any other type of mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close during the night, without having to take the possibility that they could be shared with other babies. This can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without getting out of bed in the middle night. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models feature good airflow with slats open and wide enough to allow air flow. They also have an opening or window that can be rolled up or down as needed. This makes it easy to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded so that it is easy to carry around the home. It is also easy to clean, with the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. A pocket on one side is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Make sure that the mattress is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to match the bed's height. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height can be a great help to you, especially when you are recovering from a C section.
Certain models come with useful extras, like the tummy-tilt feature for reflux or a detachable moses basket that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib rock and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. Check the price and see what bedding is included in the crib. It is often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
New moms love the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that let them keep an eye on baby during night feeds and nappy changes without having to get out of the bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from C-section or any other medical issue like colic or reflux.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and needs. Be aware of safety features and if you can remove your baby from the crib in order to feed them or soothe them. Also, consider whether the crib is equipped with extras, such as rocking features. Also, take a look at the dimensions and the height of your bed and ensure that the crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically more affordable than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're still loaded with great features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, reflux incline options and an adjustable height. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be removed in the daytime to allow you to hold your baby and co-sleep safely however, they are raised at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
The bedding you choose to use in a crib for bed must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation dangers. This is why a lot of cribs come with an adjustable mattress, however you can find suitable sheets at most stores. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they are likely to wear out and degrade with time and increase the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room to room, or to take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag, so they are easy to take with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and newborns because they allow you to see your baby at night without the risk of them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend that you only sleep with them for the first six month and then have a separate mattress in the same space to minimize the chance of SIDS.
The model you choose the crib that you choose for your bed could have features that make it more practical. For instance one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height so it's easy to reach inside and take your baby. The model comes with a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester reported that this allowed her to 'easy access" to soothe their child.
Some models come with extras such as a rocking feature (great for fussy babies), or incline settings that help with reflux. These are beneficial in the event that your child suffers from a condition which causes reflux, but your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting foldable bedside crib take into consideration how easy it is to keep clean. Check if co sleeper bedside cot is machine washable and comes with a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other factors to consider include how easy it is to assemble and how compact it is when folded away. Check if the bed is easy to put together and if it comes with an included bag to carry it on the road. Take note of extras such as a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when traveling.