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 bedside crib co-sleeper is the best option. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home test subjects love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access and has an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. 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 overheating or suffocating. They are attached to your bed, so you can reach out to comfort or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mums recovering after having a c-section. There are a variety of factors to think about before purchasing one.
When looking for a crib to put next to your bed, make sure that the crib you select is safe and meets the current standards for safety. Many older cribs were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Be sure that the crib you select is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which will be in place in November 2020.
The most significant change to the new rules is that bedside cribs can no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to sleep next to your bed but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking slightly lower than your mattress. All of the models we have listed meet the new standards 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 attached to your bed, and that it is correctly anchored. This is especially important if you intend 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&Baby Awards.
It is important to remember, too, that a crib is only intended for sleep and should not be used with bedding or other items like toys, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animal. The official safe sleep guidelines 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 furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close by at night without the threat of bed-sharing, which could increase the risk of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach over and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies up to 6 months old.
The best models have slats that are wide and open enough to allow airflow. They also come with an opening or window that can be folded up or down as needed. This makes it easy to change your baby's diapers, nurse him or check on them throughout the night. Some models also include the swaddle sack, which can help you to have a secure sleep routine.
It should be small and light when folded so that it is easy to carry around the house. It must also be easy to clean, and come with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on the other side can be useful to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress, while others must purchase separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to the bed's height. Especially if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib with an adjustable height can give you a greater chance of getting in and out of bed quickly especially in the initial weeks when you're still healing.
Some models come with useful extras, such as a tummy-tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket that can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. 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 checking how much the model costs and what bedding is included. bedside travel crib 's not uncommon to buy separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New mothers are enthralled by the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to monitor their baby during feedings at night and diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from a C-section or any other medical issue like colic or reflux.
The best crib for your child is based on your needs and lifestyle. Be aware of safety features and whether you can lift your baby from the crib to feed or soothe them. Also, check whether the crib is equipped with extras, like a rocking feature. Also, take a look at the dimensions and the height of your bed, and ensure that the crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically more affordable than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're still loaded with great features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, incline options for reflux and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and features stylish oak legs, so it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold up, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you hold your baby during the day, and for a safer co-sleeping environment however, they pop up 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 for the first time.
It is essential to ensure that the bedding you choose for a crib beside a bed is properly fitted. There should not be gaps or other gaps, which could lead to an air suffocation. A majority of cribs come with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they are prone to wear and deteriorate over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room room or take with you on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, so that you can take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to look at your baby without having to worry about them falling 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 months, with a separate mattress in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you choose, bedside cribs may feature features that increase their convenience. For example, one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy to reach inside and pick up your child. The model comes with a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this provided her with 'easy access" to soothe their child.
Some models come with extras like a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux but remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Check whether the fabric is machine washable and if it has a waterproof mattress protector that will shield you from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other factors to consider include the ease with which it can build and how compact when folded away. Consider whether it is easy to attach to your bed and if it has a bag to use for travelling. Consider if the product has extras such as a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when travelling.