Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great choice if you want your baby close by for fuss-free evening feeding. These co-sleepers offer a safer 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 popular choice among home testers because it can be adjusted to fit the bed's height, and it swivels to 360 degrees to make it easy to access. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by at night without the risk of suffocation or overheating. They are attached to the sides of your bed so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child during the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from the c-section. There are a lot of things to think about before purchasing one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib make sure you're looking at an item that is in line with current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalled because they let children fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they could pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Be sure that the crib you choose meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be introduced in November 2020.
The most significant change to the new regulations is that bedside cribs may no longer have completely drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to sleep beside your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier as they sink beneath your mattress. All models on our list are in compliance with these new standards. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Award 2017
It's also important to ensure that the crib you're considering purchasing is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is secured correctly. This is particularly important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleep 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's also important to remember that a crib should be used only for sleeping and should never be used in conjunction with bedding or other accessories, like blankets, pillows toys, or animals that are stuffed. The official safe sleep guidelines from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should 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 bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close by at night without the threat of bed-sharing which can increase the risk of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and soothe your baby in the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have good breathability, with slats that are wide enough to allow airflow. They also have an opening or window that you can roll up or down depending on the need. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby and nurse them or monitor their sleep at the end of the night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded making it easy to move around the house or to take with you on your travels. It should also be easy to clean, with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on the other side is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase one separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed for your specific model and is supple, flat and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to the bed's height. Particularly if you're recovering from C-sections A bedside crib that has an adjustable height can give you a better chance of getting into and out of bed with ease particularly in the early weeks when you're still recovering.
Some models have extra features that are useful, such as tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detach to become a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rocks or folds down to lay flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. Find out the price and what bedding is included with the crib. It is usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
New moms appreciate the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside, which allow them to monitor baby during night feedings and diaper changes without having to get out of the bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition such as colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and requirements. Aside from the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be able to lift your child from the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it includes additional features like rocking functions. Also, take a look at the size and the height of your bed, and ensure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally cheaper than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're packed with fantastic features like air-tight mesh and transparent sides, reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It comes in three colours with elegant oak legs that make it a great fit for any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lower during the day, allowing 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 example, but one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
It is essential to ensure that the bedding you choose for a crib next to a bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings, which could lead to suffocation. This is why a lot of cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most 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 lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or to take along on holidays. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags, so they are easy to take along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for new babies and parents because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the danger of them rolling off your mattress or getting suffocated. However, it's important to keep in mind that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby during the first six months - with a separate bed in the same room, to lower the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you select, bedside cribs could feature features that increase their convenience. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test swivels, and can be adjusted in the height so that it is easier to reach and pick your child up. This model has a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester reported that this gave her 'easy access" to comfort their child.
Some models include additional features, such as the ability to rock (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These can be useful to use if your baby is suffering from a condition that causes reflux, but keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a model be aware of how easy it is to keep clean. Find out if the fabric can be washed by machine and if it comes with a waterproof mattress protector, which will protect from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet, which allows you to wash and change it.
bedside cot wooden to consider include the ease with which it can put together and how compact when folded away. Check if it's simple to attach to your bed and if it has a bag to use for travel. Check if the product comes with additional features like a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful for those who travel.