Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for an easy nighttime feeding, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the best option. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home test subjects love that this crib rotates 360deg to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It is also easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of being suffocated. They attach to the sides of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child in the middle of the night, and they're perfect for mothers recovering from a c-section. However, there's bedside sleeper cot to think about before you invest in one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib make sure you're choosing a model that complies with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Make sure the crib you choose is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which will be launched in November 2020.
The most significant change to the new rules is that bedside cribs will not have drop-down sides. Instead, many models come with half-height walls, which still allow your baby to lay next to your bed but offer a more secure barrier by sinking a little lower than the mattress. All of the models in our list meet the new standards 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.
It's also worth checking that the crib you're looking at is able to attach securely to your bed and is secured correctly. This is especially crucial if you intend 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 is crucial to keep in mind that a crib is only intended for sleep and is not meant to be used with bedding or accessories such as toys, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should only sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for your bed lets you keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to comfort your baby without having to get out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical, and comfortable for your infant baby and babies up until 6 months of age.
The best models feature good breathability and slats that are wide enough and open enough to let air flow. They also feature an opening or window that can be rolled up or down when needed. It is simple to change your baby's diaper or nurse them, or examine their sleep at the end of the night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the home. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on one end is handy for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, while others have to buy separately. Be sure the mattress is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to fit the bed's height. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be extremely beneficial for you, particularly if you are recovering from a C section.
Some models come with useful features, like the tummy-tilt feature 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 rock, folds down to lie flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. Look at the cost and find out what bedding comes with the crib. It is usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great 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 having to get out of their bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from a c-section or other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
The best crib is contingent on your preferences and your lifestyle. Consider the safety features and whether you are able to remove your baby from the crib in order to feed or soothe them. Also, make sure to check if the crib has any extras, such as rocking features. Also, look at the dimensions and the height of your bed, and ensure that the crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, however they still have amazing features, like the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, incline options for reflux and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with elegant oak legs that make it a great fit for any bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be lower during the day, allowing you to hold your baby and co-sleep safely and then raised at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, but one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to use at first.
Any bedding you use in a bedside crib must fit properly and must not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation dangers. This is the reason that many cribs have a fitted mattress, but sheets that are suitable for use at most retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can become worn out and become worse with age increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or take with you on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag so that you can easily transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without worrying about them rolling off the bed or suffocating. But, it's important to note that official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby during the first six months - with an additional bed in the same room, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model you select, bedside cribs could have features that add to their convenience. For example one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height so it's easy to reach into the crib and pick up your child. The model also has a sidewall that dips down, which an MFM home tester reported gave an easy access to hold their infant.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking function (great for babies who are fussy), or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful for children with an illness that triggers reflux, however your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it will to clean the model. Check whether the fabric can be machine washed and if it comes with a mattress protector that is waterproof, which will protect from leaky nappies, infant sick or spills. Some bedside cribs come with an upholstered sheet, which allows you to wash and change it.
Other factors to consider include how easy it is to assemble and how compact when folded away. Check if the bed is simple 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 capability to transform it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when travelling.