Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great choice if you want your baby close by for fuss-free nighttime feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They follow official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favored among home testers because it is adjustable to match your bed's height and rotates a full 360 degrees to make it easy to access. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without fear of suffocation. They are attached to your bed, so you can reach out and comfort or feed your child in the middle night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. There are a variety of factors to consider before investing in one.
If you're looking for a crib to put next to your bed, make sure that the model you choose conforms to current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Check that the crib you pick is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which is scheduled to be in place in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs will no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, many models come with 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lay next to your bed but provide a more protective barrier by sinking slightly lower than your mattress. All of the models we have listed conform to these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Verify that the crib is securely affixed to your bed and that it is securely anchored. 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'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 animals. The official safe sleep guidelines from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should sleep in their own sleeping 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 lets you keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which can increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models have slats which are wide and spacious enough to allow for air circulation. They also feature a door and/or window that can be rolled up or down depending on the need. bedside crib or cot makes it simple to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded so that it is easy to carry around the house. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra baby clothes and nappies.
Some bedside cribs come with a mattress and others you need to purchase separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed for your specific model and is flat, firm and airy. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be extremely beneficial for you, particularly if you are recovering from a C-section.
Some models include useful features, like the tummy-tilt feature to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses' basket which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib rock and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth determining how much the model costs and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to purchase additional sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New mums appreciate the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to keep an eye on baby during night feedings and nappy changes without having to get out of bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from a C-section or any other medical issue such as colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and needs. Apart from the obvious safety features, consider whether you want to be able to lift your baby out of the crib to feed them or calm them and if it includes any additional features, such as the ability to rock. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that any crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically cheaper than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're packed with great features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, reflux incline options and adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also simple to put together, fold and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be removed in the daytime to allow you to touch your baby and sleep in a safe manner and then raised at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, but one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
The bedding you put in a crib for bed must fit properly and should not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation hazards. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that fit in most retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can become worn out and degrade with time and increase the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room to room or to take along when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit into the carry bag, meaning you can easily bring them to short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the bed or suffocating. 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 six month and then have an additional mattress in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you choose the crib that you choose for your bed could include features that make it more comfortable. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and is adjustable in the height to make it easier for you reach in and pick up your child. The sidewall of this model that slopes down. One MFM home tester said that this gave her 'easy access" to soothe their child.
Certain models come with additional features like a rocking function (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These are useful for children with a condition which causes reflux, but your baby should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
Think about how easy it is be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washed and if it has a waterproof mattress protector that protects you from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include the ease with which it can assemble and how compact when folded away. Make sure it's simple to attach to your bed and whether it has a bag to use for travelling. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. bedside co sleeper can be useful for those who travel.