Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for the night without any fuss, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the ideal choice. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They adhere to the strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a popular choice among home testers because it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep baby close by throughout the night without putting them at risk of suffocation or overheating. They are attached to the sides of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your infant in the middle of the night. They're suitable for mothers who are recovering from a c-section. However, there's a lot to consider before purchasing one.
When you're looking for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're choosing one that meets current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November of 2020.
The biggest change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs can not be made with completely drop-down sides. Most cribs have "half height walls that allow your child to lie next to your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier since they are a bit beneath your mattress. All of the models on our list meet the new standards which includes 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 if the crib you're looking at is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is attached correctly. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper, such as the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It's important to keep in mind that a crib is intended for sleep and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines that state that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type of soft furniture.
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 risk of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without getting out of bed in the middle night. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have good breathability, with slats that are wide enough and open enough to let air flow. They also feature a door and/or window that can be folded up or down depending on the need. This makes it simple to change your baby's diapers, nurse him or check on them during the night. Some models also include an swaddle bag to assist you with a safe sleep routine.
It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the home. It is also easy to clean, with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on one end is handy to store nappies or baby clothes.
bedside crib that turns into cot for bedside use a mattress and others you must purchase separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to fit the bed's height. Particularly if you're recovering C-section surgery A bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a better chances of getting in and out of bed with ease especially in the initial weeks of healing.
Certain models come with useful extras, such as 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 to store, or comes with bags. It's also worth looking into the price and the bedding included - it's often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
New mums are enthralled by the convenience of bedside cribs that allow them to monitor their baby during night feeds and changing nappy without having to get out of bed. They also help babies settle after a csection or in the aftermath of other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.
Choosing the right bedside crib for your child is based on your needs and your lifestyle. Consider the safety features and whether you can remove your baby from the crib in order to feed them or calm them. Also, check whether the crib is equipped with additional features, like rocking capabilities. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically cheaper than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're packed with great features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and comes with stylish oak legs, so it's perfect for your bedroom. It's also easy to put together, fold and comes with a convenient bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to allow you to touch your baby during the daytime and for a safer co-sleeping environment however, they appear again at 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 for the first time.
You must make sure that the bedding you choose to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There should not be gaps or other openings, that could lead to the suffocation. A majority of cribs come with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that are suitable for most stores. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they will wear out and degrade with time and increase the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room to room or to take along during holidays. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, meaning you can easily bring them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without worrying about them rolling off the mattress or suffocating. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest that you only sleep with them for the first six months, with an additional mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick, bedside cribs can have features that add to their ease of use. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test can swivel and can be adjusted in the height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. The model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester said gave her "easy access" to comfort their infant.
Certain models come with additional features for example, the ability to rock (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are helpful if your child has a condition which can cause reflux, however, your baby should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
Think about how easy it is to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and has a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs with a bedside have an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier to change it and wash it.
Think about the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Make sure the bed is easy to put together and if it comes with an included bag to travel with. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as a tummy tilt or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older children - this is a great option for traveling.