Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close for the night without any fuss, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the best option. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home test subjects love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access. It also has an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of suffocation. They can be attached to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your baby in the middle of the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. However, there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.
If you're looking for a crib to put next to your bed, ensure that the model you choose meets current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of 2020.
The new rules prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Most cribs have "half height walls that allow your child to lay beside your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier as they sink below 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 Award 2017
It's also worth checking that the crib you're looking at is able to attach securely to your bed and is anchored properly. This is especially important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper such as the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&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 accessories such as pillows, blankets, toys or stuffed animals. Official safe sleep advice from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only rest in their own bed space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other type of mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the risk of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical and comfortable for your infant baby and infants up to 6 months of age.
The most effective models have good airflow with slats wide enough and open enough to let air flow. They also come with windows or doors that can be rolled up or down as needed. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby, nurse them, or examine their sleep at night. Some models include a swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
You want a model that is lightweight and compact when folded making it easy to move around your home or take away with you. It should also be easy to clean, with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on the other side is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is firm, flat, and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to fit the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering from a C-section A bedside crib that has an adjustable height can give you a better chance of getting in and out of bed quickly especially in the initial weeks when you're still healing.
Certain models have additional features that could be beneficial like a tummy tilt for reflux, or detach to become a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat to store, or comes with a bag. Find out the price and what bedding is included in the crib. It is usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
New moms appreciate the convenience of bedside cribs that allow them to monitor baby during night feeds and nappy changes without getting out of the bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a c-section or after recovering from other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. Apart from the obvious safety features, consider whether you'd like to be capable of lifting your baby out of the crib to feed them or calm them, and if it has any additional features, such as rocking functions. Also, take a look at the size and the height of your bed, and make sure that the crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be more affordable than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're still loaded with fantastic features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and comes with stylish oak legs, which means it will fit right into your bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you hold your baby during the day and for safer co-sleeping However, they will come back up at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, but one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
The bedding you choose to use in a crib bed must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation hazards. That's why many cribs have an adjustable mattress, however sheets that are suitable for use at most retailers. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they can be worn down and become deteriorated over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room room or carry during holidays. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit in a carry bag, so you can easily bring them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and babies as they let you see your baby at night without the fear of them falling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. But, it's important to note that official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby during the first six months with an additional bed in the same room, to lower the chance of SIDS.
The model you choose, the bedside crib may have features that make it more comfortable. check out your url of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and is adjustable in the height to make it easier to reach and pick up your child. The model comes with a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester reported that this gave her 'easy access" to soothe their child.
Certain models come with additional features for example, a rocking function (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are helpful if your child has a condition that can cause reflux, however, your infant should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a fabric be aware of the ease to keep clean. Find out if the fabric can be washed by machine and if it comes with a waterproof mattress protector that will shield you from leaky nappies, baby sick or spills. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Think about the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Consider whether check out your url is easy to connect to your bed, and if it has a bag to use for travelling. Take note of additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the possibility of converting it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when travelling.