Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great option when you want your baby close to you for a relaxed evening feeding. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They follow strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favored among home testers since it can be adjusted to fit the bed's height, and it swivels all 360 degrees for easy access. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep baby close by throughout the night without putting them at risk of suffocation or overheating. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach out to soothe or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mums recovering after having a c-section. There are many things to consider before investing in one.
If you're shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're looking at an item that is in line with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled due to the fact that they let children fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of 2020.
The most significant change to the new rules is that bedside cribs can not have drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to lay on your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier as they sink below the mattress. All models on our list 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 important to ensure that the crib you're looking at is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is secured correctly. This is especially important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system, such as the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards.
It is important to keep in mind that a crib is designed for sleeping and should not be used with bedding or other accessories like blankets, toys, pillows, or stuffed animal. The official safe sleep guidelines from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only rest in their own bed space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other type of mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child in close proximity during the night, without having to take the possibility that they could be shared with other babies. This can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without getting out of bed in the middle night. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, easy to use and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies until 6 months of age.
The most effective models have excellent breathability and slats that are wide enough and open enough to let air flow. You can also move the window or door according to your needs. It's easy to change your baby's diaper or nurse them, or check on their sleep at the end of the night. Some models also include the swaddle sack, which can help you to have a secure sleep routine.
It should be compact and light in its fold so that it is easy to transport around the house. It should also be easy to clean, with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. The pocket on one side can be used to store spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use the mattress, while other require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height so that it's in line with the size of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be very beneficial for you, particularly when you are recovering from a C Section.
Some models include useful features, like an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or a detachable moses basket which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat to store, or comes with a bag. It's also worth looking into how much the model costs and the bedding included - it's often necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They let them keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They also help babies settle after c-section, or after recovering from other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and requirements. In addition to the obvious safety features, consider whether you'd like to be capable of lifting your baby out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it includes any extras such as a rocking function. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to make sure that the crib you select can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they have great features, such as breathable mesh and see through sides, an option for reflux incline and an adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also simple to put together, fold and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to allow you to touch your baby during the daytime and for safer co-sleeping however, they appear again at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use at first.
Any bedding you use in a bedside crib should be a good fit and not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation risks. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they will wear out and deteriorate with time and increase the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or to take along during holidays. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit in bags to allow you to take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and newborns as they let you see your baby at night without the danger of them falling off your mattress or suffocating. However, it's important to remember that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your baby for the first six months with a separate bed in the same space, to lower the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model you select, bedside cribs could feature features that increase their ease of use. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted in the height to make it easier to reach and pick your child up. The sidewall of this model that dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this gave her have a'simple access" to comfort their child.
Some models come with extras like a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy), or incline settings that help with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux. However, remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
When selecting site be aware of how easy it is to clean. Find out if the fabric can be machine washed and if it comes with a mattress protector that is waterproof that protects you from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to put together and how compact it is when folded away. Check if the bed is simple to attach and if there's a bag included for travel. Lastly, consider if it has extras like tilting your tummy or the possibility of turning it into a moses basket for older children. This could be helpful for travel.