Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great option if you want your baby close to you for a relaxed evening 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 favorite by home testers due to the fact that it is adjustable to match the bed's height, and it swivels to 360 degrees for easy access. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep your baby close throughout the night without putting them at risk of overheating or suffocating. They are attached to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your infant during the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from the c-section. However, there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.
If you're choosing a crib to put next to your bed, make sure that the crib you select meets current safety standards. Many older cribs were removed 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 compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 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. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to lay beside your bed, but offer a more secure barrier as they sink beneath your mattress. All of the models in our list meet the new standards and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also worth checking that the crib you're considering purchasing is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is attached properly. 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 and Baby Awards.
It's also important to remember that the crib is intended to sleep and should not be used with any bedding or other accessories, such as pillows, blankets, toys, or animals that are stuffed. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines which state that babies should sleep only in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type or soft furniture.
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 chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and soothe your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical, and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies up until 6 months of age.
The most effective models come with slats that are wide and open enough to allow air flow. They also feature a door and/or window that can be folded up or down as needed. This makes it easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them or check on them throughout the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can help you create a safe sleeping routine.
It should be small and light in its fold so that it is easy to carry around the house. It should also be easy to clean, and come with a a removable and washable mattress cover. The pocket at the other end can be used to store spare baby clothes and nappies.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress, while others must purchase separately. Be sure the mattress is flat, firm, and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it matches the height of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-section surgery A bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a greater chance of getting in and out of bed easily, especially during the early days of recovering.
Certain models come with additional features that can be useful like a tummy tilt for reflux, or the ability to detach to become a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat to store, or comes with a bag. It's also worth checking the price and what bedding is included - it's often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
bedside cot co sleeper are a great option for new mums. They allow them to monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of their bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from a C-section or other medical condition like colic or reflux.
The best crib for you depends on your needs and lifestyle. Be aware of safety features and if you will be able lift your baby from the crib to feed them or calm them. Also, check whether the crib comes with extras, like a rocking feature. Also, take a look at the size and height of your bed and ensure that the crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, but they have excellent features, including breathable mesh and see through sides, reflux incline option and an adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It comes in three colors and features stylish oak legs, which means it's perfect for your bedroom. It's also easy to fold and assemble, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs feature 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 the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, although one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to operate initially.
You must ensure that the bedding used for a crib beside a bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other openings which could lead to suffocation. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they are likely to wear out and deteriorate with time increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room to room or carry on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag so that you can take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to look at your baby without worrying about them rolling off the mattress or suffocating. It's important to keep in mind that the official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby for the first six months - with a separate bed in the same space, to lower the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you select, bedside cribs could have features that add to their ease of use. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test swivels, and is adjustable in the height to make it easier to reach and pick your child up. The sidewall of this model that slopes down. One MFM home tester said that this provided her with gain access" to soothe their child.
Some models have extra features like a rocking function (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful in the event that your child suffers from a condition which can cause reflux, however, your infant should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it is be to clean the model. Check whether the fabric can be washed by machine and if it comes with a mattress protector with waterproof properties 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 how easy it is to put together and how compact when folded away. Check if it's easy to attach to your bed and if it comes with a bag for travelling. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when traveling.