Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close to you for fuss-free feeding at night, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the best option. 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 favored by home testers due to the fact that it is adjustable to match your bed height and swivels to 360 degrees for easy access. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep your baby close throughout the night without putting them at risk of suffocation or overheating. They can be attached to your bed, which means you can reach out to soothe or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from a c section. There are a lot of things to consider before investing in one.
When choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, ensure that the model you choose is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled because they allow babies to fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they could pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November 2020.
The most significant change to the new regulations is that bedside cribs may not have drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to lay next to your bed, but also offer a more secure protection since they are a bit beneath your mattress. All of the models we have listed meet these 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
Verify that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is correctly anchored. This is particularly crucial if you plan 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 also important to keep in mind that a crib is intended for sleeping purposes and should not be used with bedding or accessories like pillows, blankets toys, or animals that are stuffed. Official safe sleep advice from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should rest in their own bed space, in their own crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near 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. bedside cot crib is also a way to easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have good airflow, with slats that are open and wide enough to allow airflow. You can also move the window or door as you need. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or examine their sleep at the end of the night. Some models also come with the swaddle sack, which can help you to have a secure sleep routine.
You want a model that is light and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around the house or transport to your destination. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with a mattress, while others must purchase separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed for your specific model and is supple, flat and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be a great help for you, particularly if you are recovering from a C-section.
Some models include useful features, like the tummy-tilt feature for reflux or a detachable moses' basket that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage or comes with bags. It's also worth determining how much the model costs and the bedding included - it's usually necessary to buy separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow mothers to monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without getting out of their bed. They also help babies settle after a csection or when recovering from other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and needs. Take into consideration the safety features and whether you are able to take your baby out of the crib to feed or soothe them. Also, make sure to check whether the crib is equipped with additional features, like rocking capabilities. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to make sure that the crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, but they do have some excellent features, including the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, reflux incline option and adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It's available in three colors and comes with stylish oak legs, so it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be lowered in the daytime to allow you to touch your baby and co-sleep safely, but are raised again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, although one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use initially.
You must ensure that the bedding used to make a crib bedside is fitted properly. There should not be gaps or other gaps, which could cause the suffocation. This is the reason that many cribs come with mattresses that are fitted, but sheets that are suitable for use at most retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores as they can become worn out and deteriorate with time and increase the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are lighter and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room or to take along on holidays. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning you can easily take them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you observe your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the mattress or suffocating. But, it's important to remember that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby during the first six months - with an additional bed in the same room, to reduce the chance of SIDS.
The model you choose the crib that you choose for your bed could come with features that make it more comfortable. For instance, one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height, making it easy to reach into the crib and pick up your little one. The model comes with a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester said that this provided her with have a'simple access" to comfort their child.
Some models come with extras such as a rocking feature (great for fussy babies), or incline settings to help with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux. However, be aware that your baby should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
Think about how easy bedside cot bed is be to clean the model. Check whether the fabric is machine washable and if it has a mattress protector with waterproof properties that protects you from leaky nappies, baby sick or spills. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet, which makes it easier to wash and change it.
Think about the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Make sure it's simple to attach to your bed, and if it comes with a bag for travelling. Lastly, consider if it has additional features like a tummy tilt or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older babies - this can be useful for travelling.