Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If bedside baby sleeper looking to keep your baby close for an easy nighttime feeding, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the perfect choice. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favored by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to suit the bed's height, and it swivels a full 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close during the night without the risk of suffocation. They can be attached to the side of your bed so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your child during the night, and they're suitable for mothers who are recovering from an op. There are a variety of factors to think about before purchasing one.
When looking for a crib to place beside your bed, ensure that the model you choose is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled due to the fact that they allow babies to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they pose a risk of strangulation or 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 new rules forbid cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Most cribs have "half height' walls, which still allow your child to lay on your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier because they sink a little beneath the mattress. All of the models in our list conform to these new requirements, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also worth checking that the crib you're considering purchasing is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is attached properly. 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 and Baby Awards.
It's important to remember that a crib is meant for sleeping, and is not meant to be used with bedding or other items like blankets, toys, pillows, or stuffed animal. Official safe sleep advice from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only sleep in their own sleep space, in their own crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other type of mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and soothe your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. 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 old.
The top models offer good breathability, with slats that are open and wide enough to allow air flow. They also have an opening or window that you can roll up or down when needed. It is easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on them at night. Some models also include a swaddle sack to help you to have a secure sleep routine.
You'll 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. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on the other side is useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include the mattress, while other require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure that the mattress is firm, flat, and airy. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to match the bed's height. Especially if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib with an adjustable height gives you a greater chance of getting into and out of bed quickly, especially during the early weeks of recovering.
Certain models come with useful extras, like a tummy-tilt for reflux or a detachable moses basket which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat for storage, or comes with bags. It's also worth determining the price and what bedding is included - it's often necessary to buy separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New moms appreciate the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that allow them to monitor baby during night feedings and changing nappy without getting out of the bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a c-section or after recovering from other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
The best crib is contingent on your requirements and lifestyle. In addition to the obvious safety features, consider whether you'd like to be able to get your child out of the crib to feed them or calm them and if it includes additional features like a rocking function. Also, take a look at the dimensions and the height of your bed and ensure that the crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're still loaded with fantastic features like air-tight mesh and transparent sides, as well as reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs that make it a great fit for any bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to let you hold your baby during the day, and for safer co-sleeping however, they pop up again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, although one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to use at first.
The bedding you put in a bedside crib must fit properly and should not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation risks. Most cribs are equipped with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that fit in most retailers. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which can be worn down and become deteriorated over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to move from room to room, or to take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags so that you can easily take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and babies as they let you see your baby at night without the risk of them falling off your mattress or getting suffocated. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend that you only sleep with them for the first six months and then have an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you choose, bedside cribs may have features that add to their convenience. For example one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach into the crib and pick up your child. The model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester described as giving an easy access to hold their baby.
Some models have extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings that help with reflux. These are beneficial if your child has a condition which triggers reflux, however your infant should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
Think about how easy it is to clean the model. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed and if it has a waterproof mattress protector that protects you from leaky nappies, baby sick or spills. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Make sure it's simple to attach to your bed, and if it comes with a bag to take it with you on your travels. Take note of additional features like a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when traveling.