Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a fantastic option if you want your baby close by for fuss-free evening feeding. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They are based on official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favored among home testers because it can be adjusted to fit the bed's height, and it swivels to 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close at night without the risk of being suffocated. They attach to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your infant during the night, and they're perfect for mothers recovering from an op. There are many things to consider before investing in one.
If you are choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, ensure 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 as well as the sides of the crib. Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November 2020.
The most significant change to the new regulations is that bedside cribs may not be made with completely 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 a more protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than the mattress. All of our models 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 Award 2017
Verify that the crib is securely affixed to your bed and that it is properly fixed. This is especially 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&Baby Awards.
It is crucial to remember that a crib is only meant for sleeping, and is not meant to be used with bedding or other accessories like pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should only sleep in their cribs or cots and not on an adult's bed, or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing which can increase the likelihood of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach over and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models come with slats that are wide and open enough to allow for air flow. They also have an opening or window that you can roll up or down depending on the need. It's easy to change the diaper of your baby and nurse them or check on them at night. Some models include a swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around your home or to take with you on your travels. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket at the other end can be used to store spare diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress, while others must purchase separately. Make sure the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height so that it matches the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be very beneficial to you, especially when you recovering from a C-section.
Certain models have additional features that can be useful for parents, like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detach to become a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage or comes with bags. Look at the cost and find out what bedding comes with the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
New mothers are enthralled by the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that allow them to monitor their baby during feedings at night and changing nappy without having to get out of the bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from a C-section or other medical condition like colic or reflux.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and requirements. Be aware of safety features and whether you can remove your baby from the crib in order to feed them or soothe them. Also, make sure to check if the crib has any extras, such as rocking capabilities. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, however they do have some great features, such as breathable mesh and 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 that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold up, and comes with a handy bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs have side panels that can be lower during the day, allowing you to touch your baby and co-sleep safely and then raised at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use initially.
The bedding you put in a crib bed must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation risks. A majority of cribs come with mattresses. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they will wear out and degrade with time and increase the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or carry on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag to allow you to transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without worrying about them rolling off the bed or suffocating. However, it's important to keep in mind that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your child for the first six months with an additional bed in the same room, to lower the risk of SIDS.
The model you choose the bedside crib could come with features that make it more convenient. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test swivels, and can be adjusted in the height so that it is easier for you reach in and pick your child up. The model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester described as giving her "easy access" to comfort their baby.
Some models include additional features like a rocking feature (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful for children with a condition which can cause reflux, however, your newborn should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Check if the fabric is machine washable and if it has a waterproof protector that can keep away leaky nappies and dribbles. Some bedside cribs come with an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier to change it and wash it.
Other features to consider include the ease with which it can put together and how compact it is when folded away. Consider whether bedside crib travel cot is easy to connect to your bed and if it has a bag to use for travel. Check if the product comes with additional features like a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful for those who travel.