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 perfect choice. These co-sleepers are 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 by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to fit the bed's height, and it swivels to 360 degrees for easy access. It is easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close during the night without the risk of being suffocated. They are attached to your bed, which means you can reach out to soothe or feed your child during the middle of night. They're also great for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. There are bedside cots of things to consider before investing in one.
When you're looking for a bedside crib make sure you're choosing one that meets current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were recalled because they allow babies to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they could pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of this year.
The most significant change in the new rules is that bedside cribs can no longer have completely drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to lie on your bed, but offer a more secure barrier since they are a bit beneath your 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 Award 2017
It's also important to ensure that the crib you're looking at is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is secured properly. This is especially important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleep 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 crucial to remember, too, that a crib is designed for sleeping and should not be used with bedding or other items like toys, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animal. The official safe sleep guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should sleep in their own sleep space, in their own crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any other type of mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for your bed lets you keep your baby close at night without the threat of bed-sharing which can increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without having to get out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have slats which are wide and spacious enough to allow air flow. You can also move the door or window as you need. This makes it easier to change your baby's diapers, nurse him or monitor them throughout the night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
You want a model that is light and compact when folded, making it easy to move around your home or take away with you. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on the other side can be useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress, while others must purchase separately. Ensure that the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to match the bed's height. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be very beneficial for you, particularly in the event that you are recovering from a C-section.
Some models include useful features, like an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Other features to consider include whether the crib rock or folds down to lay flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth checking the price and the bedding included - it's often necessary to purchase additional sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic option for new mums. They allow mothers to monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without having to get out of the bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after c-section, or in the aftermath of other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
The best crib is contingent on your needs and lifestyle. Consider the safety features and if you will be able remove your baby from the crib in order to feed or calm them. Also, check whether the crib is equipped with extras, like a rocking feature. Also, take a look at the size and the height of your bed and make sure that the crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they do have some amazing features, like air-tight mesh, see-through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and comes with stylish oak legs, which means it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold up, and comes with a handy bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered during the day to allow you to hold your baby and sleep in a safe manner and then raised at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use at first.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation dangers. A majority of cribs come with mattresses. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they are likely to wear out and deteriorate with time increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room or take with you on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag to allow you to take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to see your baby without having to worry about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first 6 months and then have an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.
The model you pick the crib that you choose for your bed could include features that make it more comfortable. For example, one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height, making it easy for you to reach into the crib and pick up your child. This model has a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this gave her gain access" to comfort their child.
Some models have additional extras like a rocking function (useful for fussy babies) or incline settings to help with reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux. However, be aware that your baby should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if there's a waterproof mattress protector, which will protect from leaky nappies, baby sick or dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier to wash and change it.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Make sure the bed is easy to attach and if there's an included bag for travel. Additionally, take note of whether it has extras like a tummy tilt or the option to turn it into moses baskets for older children. This can be useful for travelling.