Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for the night without any fuss A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the perfect choice. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a popular choice by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to suit your bed's height and rotates all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close during the night without fear of suffocation. They attach to your bed so that you can reach out and soothe or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. There are a lot of things to think about before purchasing one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib, make sure you're looking at an item that is in line with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Make sure that the crib you choose meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of 2020.
The new rules forbid cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, most models feature 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to sleep close to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking slightly lower than the mattress. All of the models on our list comply with these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Make sure that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is securely secured. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper such as the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It is also important to remember that the crib should only be used for sleeping and should never be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories like blankets, pillows toys or stuffed animals. Official safe sleep advice from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should rest in their own bed space in their crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other type of mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which can increase the chance of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach over and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, practical, and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies up until 6 months old.
The best models feature good breathability, with slats that are wide enough and open enough to allow airflow. You can also roll up and down the window or door depending on your needs. This makes it easier to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models include an swaddle bag that can help you create 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 removable and washable mattress cover. newborn bedside cot at the other end can be used to store spare diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include the mattress, while other require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm and breathable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores, 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 is adjustable in height could be very beneficial to you, especially when you are recovering from a C-section.
Some models include useful extras, like an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses bin that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib is rocking and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth determining the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic option for mothers who are new. They let them monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of their bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from a c-section or other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
Choosing the best bedside crib for you depends on your requirements and lifestyle. Take into consideration the safety features and if you can take your baby out of the crib in order to feed them or calm them. Also, check whether the crib is equipped with extras, such as a rocking feature. Also, consider the dimensions and the height of your bed, and ensure that the crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you - they're still packed with great features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and features stylish oak legs, so it's perfect for your bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be removed during the day to allow you to hold your baby and co-sleep safely however, they are raised at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use at first.
The bedding you put in a bedside crib should be a good fit and should not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation risks. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses as they can be worn down and degrade over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room space, or take when you go on trips on. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag, so they are easy to take to short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and babies because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the fear of them falling off your mattress or getting suffocated. But, it's important to remember that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your child for the first six months with an additional bed in the same room, to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model you choose, bedside cribs may feature features that increase their ease of use. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test can swivel and can be adjusted in the height so that it is easier to reach and pick your child up. This model has a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this provided her with gain access" to comfort their child.
Certain models come with additional features like a rocking feature (useful for fussy babies) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These are helpful if your child has an illness that can cause reflux, however, your infant should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a model take into consideration how easy it will be to clean. Check if the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector that can protect against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet, which makes it easier for you to change it and wash it.
Other things to consider are how easy it is to build and how compact it is when folded away. Check if it's easy to connect to your bed and whether it has a bag to use for travel. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as a tummy tilt or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older children - this can be useful for travelling.