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 with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the ideal choice. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favorite by home testers due to the fact that it is adjustable to match your bed's height and rotates all 360 degrees to make it easy to 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 during the night without risking suffocation or overheating. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of night. They're also great for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. There are many things to consider before investing in one.
If you're shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're looking at a model that complies with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalled because they allow babies to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure the crib you pick is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be in place in November 2020.
The new rules forbid cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Most cribs have "half height' walls, which still allow your child to lay beside your bed, but provide a more protective barrier as they sink below the mattress. All of our models meet the 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
It's also worth checking if the crib you're looking at is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is attached properly. This is especially crucial if you plan 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 also important to remember that a crib is intended for sleeping purposes and should not be used with any bedding or other accessories, like blankets, pillows toys or toys for stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep advice that states that infants should only sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other kind of soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close at night without the threat of bed-sharing, which could 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 having to get out of bed. 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 top models offer excellent breathability and slats that are wide enough to allow airflow. You can also roll up and down the door or window as you need. This makes it easier to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or check on them throughout the night. Some models also come with a swaddle sack to help you with a safe sleep routine.
You want a model that is light and compact when folded making it easy to move around your home or to take with you on your travels. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on one end can be useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Be sure the mattress is flat, firm and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to the height of your bed. bedside crib travel cot that is adjustable in height can be extremely beneficial to you, especially if you are recovering from a C section.
Certain models come with useful extras, such as the tummy-tilt feature to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses bin which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Check if the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage, or comes with bags. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and the bedding included - it's usually necessary to buy separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great option for new mums. They allow them to monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a c-section or when recovering from other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and requirements. Aside from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be able to lift your child from the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it includes any extras such as the ability to rock. Also, 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 more affordable than Moses Baskets, however they still have great features, such as breathable mesh and see through sides, incline options for reflux and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs that fit into any bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to let you hold your baby during the day and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience However, they will appear again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, although one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
The bedding you put in a bedside crib must fit properly and must not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation risks. This is the reason that many cribs have an adjustable mattress, however you can purchase suitable sheets at most retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they will wear out and degrade with time and increase the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are lighter and more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room or take with you during holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag so that you can easily transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and babies because they allow you to see your baby at night without the risk of them rolling off your mattress or getting suffocated. 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 6 months, with an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you select, bedside cribs could have features that add to their convenience. For instance, one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach in and take your baby. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which an MFM home tester said gave an easy access to hold their infant.
Some models have additional extras for example, a rocking feature (useful for babies who are fussy) or incline settings to help with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux but be aware that your baby should rest on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
Think about how easy it is to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use an upholstered sheet, which allows you to wash and change it.
Consider the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Check if it is easy to put together and if it comes with an included bag for travel. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when traveling.