Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great option if you want your baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They are based on the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favorite among home testers since it can be adjusted to fit your bed height and swivels to 360 degrees for easy access. It folds up easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close at night without risk of being suffocated. They attach to your bed, so you can reach out and help or feed your child in the middle night. They're also great for mums recovering after an c-section. There's plenty to think about before purchasing one.
When searching for a crib to put next to your bed, be sure that the crib you select is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A lot of cribs older than that were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Make sure the crib you are considering is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November of 2020.
The new regulations prohibit cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to sleep next to your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier as they sink below the mattress. All of the models we have listed conform to these new requirements and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Verify that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is correctly fixed. This is particularly important if you intend 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 important to keep in mind that a crib is only intended for sleep and should not be used with bedding or other items like blankets, toys, pillows, or stuffed animal. The official safe sleep guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should sleep in their own sleep space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other type of mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child safe during the night, without having to take the danger that they might be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without getting out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, practical, and comfortable for your infant baby and babies up until 6 months old.
The most effective models have excellent breathability, with slats that are open and wide enough to let air flow. They also come with an opening or window that you can roll up or down when needed. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or examine their sleep at night. Some models include the swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be small and light when folded so that it is easy to transport around the house. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store spare baby clothes and nappies.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress, while others need to purchase separately. Make sure that the mattress is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid using bedside cot sale -hand mattresses, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height so that it is in line with the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering from C-section surgery, a bedside crib with an adjustable height can give you a greater chances of getting in and out of bed quickly, especially during the early weeks when you're still healing.
Some models include useful extras, like an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or a detachable moses basket that can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rock or folds down to lay flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. Look at the cost and find out what bedding comes with the crib. It is often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
New mums are enthralled by the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that let them monitor baby during night feeds and diaper changes without getting out of bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from c-section or other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
Choosing the best bedside crib for you depends on your requirements and lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, consider whether you'd like to be able to lift your baby out of the crib to feed them or calm them and if it includes additional features like rocking functions. Examine the height and size of your bed to make sure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, however they do have some great features, such as air-tight mesh, see-through sides, reflux incline option and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and comes with stylish oak legs, so it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also easy to put together, fold and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lower during the day to allow you to touch your baby and sleep in a safe manner however, they are 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 initially.
You should make sure that the bedding you choose to make a crib bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other gaps, which could cause suffocation. Most cribs are equipped with a mattress. However sheets are available that will fit in the majority of retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they are likely to wear out and degrade with time, increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to transport from room to space, or take when you go on trips on. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit in bags, so they are easy to take to short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for new babies and parents because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the risk of them falling off your mattress or suffocating. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six months, with a separate mattress in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you select, bedside cribs could have features that add to their convenience. For instance one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach in and pick up your little one. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester said that this gave her 'easy access" to help their child.
Some models have additional extras like a rocking function (useful for fussy babies) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These can be useful to use if your baby is suffering from a condition that causes reflux, but be aware that your baby should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a model, consider how easy it will be to clean. Find out if the fabric can be washed by machine and if it has a mattress protector that is waterproof that will shield you from leaky nappies, baby sick or dribbles. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet, which makes it easier to change it and wash it.
Other things to consider are the ease with which it can assemble and how compact it is when folded away. Check if it's easy to attach to your bed and whether it has a bag to use for travel. Check if the product comes with extras such as a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when travelling.