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 bedside crib co-sleeper is the ideal choice. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favored among home testers because it is adjustable to match your bed's height and rotates a full 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of suffering from suffocation. They attach to your bed so that you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of night. They're also great for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. There are a lot of things to consider before investing in one.
When you're looking for a bedside crib ensure you're buying an item that is in line with current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalled because they allow babies to fall in 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 choose is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which will be introduced in November 2020.
The new regulations prohibit cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to lay next to your bed, but also offer a more secure protection because they sink a little beneath the mattress. All of the models we have listed 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 Awards 2017
It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering purchasing is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is attached correctly. This is particularly 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 also important to remember that the crib is intended for sleeping purposes and should not be used with any bedding or accessories like pillows, blankets toys or animals that are stuffed. Official advice for safe sleep from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only sleep in their own sleep space in their crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child safe throughout the night, without the risk that they may be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and soothe your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies up to 6 months old.
The most effective models come with slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow air circulation. They also have windows or doors that you can roll up or down depending on the need. It is easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on their sleep at the end of the night. Some models also include a swaddle sack to help you to have a secure sleep routine.
It should be small and light when folded so that it is easy to carry around the house. It should also be easy to clean, with an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on one side can be useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include a mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is supple, flat and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to fit the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be a great help for you, particularly if you recovering from a C Section.
Some models have extra features that are useful like a tummy tilt for reflux, or detachable to become a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib rocks and folds down so that it can lie 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 buy separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow them to monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of the bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a c-section or when recovering from other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.
Choosing the right bedside crib for your child is based on your requirements and lifestyle. Consider the safety features and if you will be able take your baby out of the crib to feed 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 still have great features, such as breathable mesh and see through sides, an option for reflux incline and adjustable height. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and features stylish oak legs, so it's perfect for your bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be removed in the daytime to allow you to hold your baby and sleep safely and then raised at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use initially.
You must ensure that the bedding you use for a crib beside a bedside is fitted properly. There should be no gaps or other openings which could lead to an air suffocation. That's why many cribs have mattresses that are fitted, but you can find suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they are prone to wear and deteriorate over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room or to take along during holidays. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning they are easy to take along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and newborns as they let you see your baby at night without the risk of them falling off the mattress or getting suffocated. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six months, with an additional mattress in the same room to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick the bedside crib could have features that make it more convenient. For instance one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height so it's easy to reach inside and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which an MFM home tester said gave her "easy access" to hold their baby.
Some models have extra features like a rocking function (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings to help with reflux. These are beneficial for children with a condition that can cause reflux, however, your newborn should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
When choosing a model take into consideration how easy it will be to keep clean. Make sure bedside cots for newborns can be machine washed and if it comes with a waterproof mattress protector that protects you from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet, which makes it easier to change and wash it.
Other things to consider are how easy it is to put together and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure the bed is easy to attach and if there's an included bag for travel. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as tilting the tummy or the possibility of turning it into a moses basket for older children - this is a great option for traveling.