Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close to you for an easy nighttime feeding A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the ideal choice. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favorite among home testers because it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels to 360 degrees for easy access. It folds up 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 risk of being suffocated. They can be attached to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your infant during the night, and they're perfect for mothers recovering from the c-section. There are a lot of things to consider prior to purchasing one.
If you are choosing a crib to put next to your bed, be sure that the crib you pick meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalled because they allow babies to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Check that the crib you select is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which will be introduced in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new rules is that bedside cribs may not have drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to sleep on your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier because they sink a little beneath the 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 Awards 2017.
Verify that the crib is securely affixed to your bed, and that it is securely secured. This is especially crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper, such as the free-standing Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It is important to remember, too, that a crib is only designed for sleeping and is not meant to be used with bedding or accessories such as toys, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type or soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child safe during the night, without having to take the danger that they might be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the risk 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 up. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your newborn baby and infants up to 6 months of age.
The best models come with slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow air circulation. They also come with a door and/or window that can be folded up or down depending on the need. It's easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or monitor their sleep at 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 transport around the home. It is also easy to clean, with the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. A pocket on the other side can be useful to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with mattresses, while others need to purchase separately. Make sure the mattress is designed for your specific model and is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height that it is in line with the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be extremely beneficial to you, particularly if you are recovering from a C-section.
Some models include useful extras, such as an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or a detachable moses' basket that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib is rocking, folds down to lie flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth checking how much the model costs and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to purchase separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New mums are enthralled by the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that allow them to monitor their baby during night feedings and nappy changes without having to get out of the bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a c-section or after recovering from other medical conditions, such as colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and needs. Apart from bedside cot bed , think about whether you'd like to be able to lift your child from the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it includes additional features like rocking functions. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that any crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they do have some great features, such as breathable mesh and see through sides, reflux incline option and a height that can be adjusted. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with elegant oak legs that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. Plus, it's easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to let you hold your baby during the day, and for safer co-sleeping However, they will come back up at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, but one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.
It is essential to ensure that the bedding you use to make a crib bedside is fitted properly. There should be no gaps or other openings which could cause the suffocation. This is why a lot of cribs have mattresses that are fitted, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most stores. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which are prone to wear and degrade over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or carry on holidays. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit into a carry bag so that you can easily transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to see your baby without worrying about them falling off the bed or suffocating. It's important to keep in mind that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your child for the first six months - with an additional bed in the same space, to lower the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you choose, bedside cribs may feature features that increase their convenience. For instance, one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts its height to make it easy to reach into the crib and take your baby. This model has a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester reported that this allowed her to 'easy access" to soothe their child.
Some models include additional features for example, a rocking feature (useful for fussy babies) or incline settings to help with reflux. These may be handy to use if your baby is suffering from a condition that causes reflux, but keep in mind that your baby must rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Think about how easy it is be to clean the model. Check if the fabric is machine washable, and if it comes with a waterproof protector to keep away leaky nappies and dribbles. Some bedside cribs come with an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier to change it and wash it.
Other factors to consider include the ease with which it can put together and how compact when folded away. Make sure the bed is easy to attach and if there's a bag included to carry it on the road. Also, think about if it has additional features like tilting your tummy or the option to turn it into moses baskets for older children. This can be useful for travelling.