Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for the night without any fuss, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the best option. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
bedside crib and travel cot is a favorite among home testers since it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close at night without fear of suffering from suffocation. They attach to your bed so that you can reach out to help or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mums recovering after having a c-section. There are a variety of factors to consider prior to purchasing one.
When choosing a crib to place beside your bed, make sure that the model you choose is safe and meets the current standards for safety. Many older cribs have been recalled due to the fact that they permit children to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure the crib you select meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be launched in November 2020.
The new regulations prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to sleep on your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier as they sink beneath your 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 Award 2017
Make sure that the crib is securely affixed to your bed, and that it is properly secured. 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 also important to keep in mind that the crib should only be used for sleeping purposes and should not be used with bedding or accessories like blankets, pillows, toys, or animals that are stuffed. Official advice for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should sleep in their own sleep space, in their own crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child in close proximity at night, without the danger that they might be sharing a crib with another infant. This can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe 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 is safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your new baby and babies until 6 months of age.
The best models have slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow for air flow. They also come with windows or doors that can be folded up or down as needed. This makes it simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on them during the night. Some models also come with a swaddle sack to help you sleep in a safe routine.
You'll want a mattress that is light and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around the house or to take with you on your travels. It must also be easy to clean, with an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on one end is handy to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase one separately. Be sure the mattress is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height that it matches the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be extremely beneficial to you, particularly in the event that you recovering from a C Section.
Some models include useful extras, such as an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib is rocking or folds down to lay flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. Find out the price and what bedding is included in the crib. It is often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow mothers to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without getting out of their bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from a c-section or other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
Choosing the right bedside crib for your child is based on your requirements and lifestyle. Aside from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be able to get your baby out of the crib to feed them or calm them and if it comes with any extras such as a rocking function. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that any crib you choose will be able to 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. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble, fold and comes with a convenient bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered during the day to allow you to hold your baby and sleep in a safe manner 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 testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.
You must ensure that the bedding used to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There shouldn't be gaps or other gaps, which could lead to 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. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can become worn out and degrade with time and increase the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room or to take along during holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, to allow you to take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you observe your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or suffocating. It's important to note that official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby for the first six months - with a separate bed in the same room to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model you pick, bedside cribs can include features that enhance their ease of use. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test swivels, and can be adjusted in height to make it easier to reach and pick your child up. The model comes with a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester said that this allowed her to 'easy access" to help their child.
Some models come with extras like a rocking feature (great for fussy babies), or incline settings to help with reflux. These can be useful to use if your baby is suffering from an illness that causes reflux but remember that your newborn should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will to clean the model. Check whether the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a waterproof mattress protector that will shield you from leaky nappies, baby sick or dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet, which makes it easier to wash and change it.
Consider the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Be sure to check if the bed is easy to put together and if it comes with bags included for travel. Check if the product comes with extras such as a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when travelling.