Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a fantastic option if you want your baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They are based on strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a popular choice by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to fit your bed's height and rotates to 360 degrees for easy access. It is easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
bedside crib or cot allow you to keep your baby close at night without fear of being suffocated. They attach to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your infant in the middle of the night. They're perfect for mothers recovering from a c-section. There are a lot of things to think about before purchasing one.
If you are choosing a crib to put next to your bed, ensure 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 allow babies to fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November 2020.
The most significant change to the new regulations is that bedside cribs will not have drop-down sides. Instead, many models come with half-height walls, which still allow your baby to sleep next to your bed but provide a more protective barrier by sinking slightly lower than the mattress. All of the models on our list comply with these new requirements and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering is able to attach securely to your bed and is anchored properly. This is especially crucial if you plan 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&Baby Awards.
It is important to remember that a crib is only designed for sleeping and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other items like blankets, toys, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep advice that states that infants should sleep in their cribs or cots and not on an adult's bed, or any other type of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of bed-sharing, which can increase the likelihood of SIDS. You can also reach out to soothe your baby without getting out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies as young as 6 months old.
The best models have slats which are wide and wide enough to allow air circulation. You can also move the window or door as you need. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby and nurse them or check on their sleep at night. Some models include an swaddle bag that can assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
You want a model that is light and compact when folded so it's easy to move around your home or to take with you on your travels. It should also be easy to clean, and come with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on the other side can be useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm, and comfortable. Avoid using 4-in-1 bedside crib -hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height so that it's in line with the size of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering C-section surgery A bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a greater chance of getting into and out of bed with ease, especially during the early weeks of healing.
Some models have extra features that could be beneficial, such as a tummy tilt for reflux, or detachable to transform into a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage, or comes with bags. It's also worth checking the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
New mums appreciate the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside, which allow them to keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and nappy changes without having to get out of bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a csection or when recovering from other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
The best crib for your child is based on your requirements and lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be capable of lifting your baby out of the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it comes with additional features like the ability to rock. Also, look at the dimensions and height of your bed and ensure that the crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're still loaded with fantastic features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with elegant oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold up, and comes with a handy bag for trips to grandparent's.
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, but then come back up 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 found it difficult to use at first.
The bedding you put in a crib bed should be a good fit and not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation risks. This is why a lot of cribs come with a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they will wear out and deteriorate with time increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or to take along during holidays. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning you can easily take them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the mattress or suffocating. However, it's important to keep in mind that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your child for the first six months with an additional bed in the same room, to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Depending on which model you choose the crib that you choose for your bed could include features that make it more comfortable. For instance one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach into the crib and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester said gave her "easy access" to hold their baby.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking function (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings that aid with reflux. These may be handy to use if your baby is suffering from an illness that causes reflux. However, keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a model take into consideration how easy it is to keep clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to build and how compact when folded away. Check if the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with a bag included to travel with. Consider if the product has additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the capability to transform it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when traveling.