Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close for an easy nighttime feeding, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the perfect choice. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They adhere to the the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home testers love the fact that this crib swivels 360deg for easy access and has an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
bedside travel cot are a great way to keep baby close by at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They can be attached to your bed so that you can reach out and soothe or feed your child in the middle night. They're also great for mums recovering after a c section. There are a lot of things to consider before investing in one.
When shopping for a bedside crib, make sure you're looking at a model that complies with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled due to the fact that they permit children to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they could pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Be sure that the crib you select meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be in place in November 2020.
The new regulations prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to lay on your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier since they are a bit beneath the mattress. All of the models in our list meet the new standards, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
It's also worth checking if the crib you're looking at is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is secured correctly. This is particularly important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system like the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards.
It is also important to remember that a crib should only be used for sleeping and should never be used in conjunction with bedding or other accessories, like blankets, pillows toys, or animals that are stuffed. Official advice for safe sleep from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only rest in their own bed space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child in close proximity during the night, without having to take the possibility that they could be shared with another baby. This could increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without needing 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 and slats that are open and wide enough to allow airflow. They also come with a door and/or window that can be rolled up or down as needed. This makes it simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on them throughout the night. Some models include 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 house. It should also be easy to clean, with a a removable and washable mattress cover. A pocket on one end is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use the mattress, while other require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is flat, firm and airy. Avoid using second-hand mattresses because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with 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 very beneficial to you, particularly in the event that you recovering from a C Section.
Some models come with useful features, like a tummy-tilt for reflux or a detachable moses bin which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage, or comes with a bag. Check the price and see what bedding is included in the crib. It is often necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
New moms love the convenience of bedside cribs that allow them to keep an eye on baby during night feedings and changing nappy without having to get out of bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from a C-section or other medical condition like colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib for your child is based on your preferences and lifestyle. In addition to the obvious safety features, think about whether you'd like to be able to get your baby out of the crib to feed them or calm them, and if it has additional features like a rocking function. Also, look at the size and the height of your bed, and ensure that the crib you select can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, however they do have some amazing features, like breathable mesh and 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 co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with stylish oak legs to be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also easy to fold and assemble, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to let you touch your baby during the day, and for a safer co-sleeping environment However, they will 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 test participants found it difficult to use at first.
It is essential to ensure that the bedding used to make a crib bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other gaps, that could lead to the suffocation. A majority of cribs come with a mattress. However sheets are available that will fit in the majority of retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores as they can become worn out and deteriorate with time and increase the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or carry on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning you can easily take them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. However, it's important to keep in mind that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby during the first six months with a separate bed in the same space, to lower the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you choose, the bedside crib may come with features that make it more practical. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test swivels, and can be adjusted in the height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. The sidewall of this model that slopes down. One MFM home tester said that this gave her 'easy access" to help their child.
Some models come with extras such as a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy), or incline settings that help with reflux. These are beneficial for children with an illness that causes reflux, but your baby should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if there's a mattress protector that is waterproof, which will protect from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to build and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure the bed is simple to attach and if there's bags included for travel. Take note of extras such as a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature for those who travel.