Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close to you for the night without any fuss, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the best option. These co-sleepers offer 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 favored by home testers due to the fact that it is adjustable to match your bed height and swivels a full 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 at night without risk of being suffocated. They can be attached to your bed so that you can reach out and soothe or feed your child during the middle of the night. They're also great for mothers recovering from having a c-section. There are a lot of things to think about before purchasing one.
If you are looking for a crib to put next to your bed, make sure that the crib you select meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Make sure the crib you pick meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be launched in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new rules is that bedside cribs may no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to sleep next to your bed but offer a more secure barrier by sinking slightly lower than your mattress. All of the models in our list conform to these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also worth checking that the crib you're considering is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is anchored correctly. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, like the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It is important to remember that a crib is designed for sleeping and should not be used with bedding or other items like toys, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animal. bedside cot for twins from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only sleep in their own sleep space in their crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or any other type of mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close by at night without the risk of bed-sharing which can increase the likelihood of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without having to get out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies up to 6 months old.
The best models have slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow for air flow. They also come with windows or doors that can be folded up or down when needed. This makes it easy to nurse, change your baby or check on them throughout the night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
You'll want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded so it's easy to move around your home or to take with you on your travels. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on one side is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress and others you need to purchase separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm, and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height so that it's in line with the size of your own bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be a great help to you, particularly when you recovering from a C-section.
Some models include useful features, like an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses bin which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage, or comes with bags. It's also worth checking the price and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to purchase additional sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They let them monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of the bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a csection or in the aftermath of other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
Choosing the right bedside crib for you depends on your needs and lifestyle. Be aware of safety features and if you will be able take your baby out of the crib in order to feed or calm them. Also, make sure to check if the crib has any extras, like a rocking feature. Also, take a look at the dimensions and height of your bed and check that any crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they still have amazing features, like the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, incline options for reflux and adjustable height. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It's available in three colors with stylish oak legs to be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold up, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be removed during the day to allow the baby to be held and sleep in a safe manner however, they are raised at 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.
The bedding you put in a crib bed must be fitted properly and should not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation dangers. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that fit in most retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses, which can be worn down and become deteriorated over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to transport from room to room, or to take when you go on trips on. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag so that you can easily transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for new babies and parents as they let you see your baby at night without the danger of them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to note that official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your child for the first six months - with a separate bed in the same space, to lower the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick, bedside cribs can feature features that increase their ease of use. For example one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height, making it easy to reach into the crib and take your baby. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this allowed her to have a'simple access" to help their child.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy), or incline settings that help with reflux. These are beneficial if your child has an illness that can cause reflux, however, your baby should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Check whether the fabric can be washed by machine and if it comes with a waterproof mattress protector that protects you from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier to change it and wash it.
Consider the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Check if it's easy to attach to your bed, and if it comes with a bag for travelling. Take note of additional features like a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when travelling.