Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great choice for parents who want their baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love the fact that this crib rotates 360deg for easy access and comes with an adjustable mattress to fit your bed. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without the risk of suffering from suffocation. They attach to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your infant during the night. They're suitable for mothers who are recovering from the c-section. There are many things to consider before investing in one.
When shopping for a bedside crib make sure you're choosing a model that complies with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled due to the fact that they let children fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which is scheduled to be introduced in November 2020.
The new regulations prohibit cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, many models come with half-height walls that allow your baby to lie next to your bed but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than the mattress. All of our models are in compliance with these new standards. 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 important to ensure that the crib you're considering is able to attach securely to your bed and is attached properly. This is particularly 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 crucial to keep in mind that a crib is designed for sleeping and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other accessories like toys, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals. Official safe sleep advice from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only sleep in their own sleeping space, in their own crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any 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 can increase the likelihood of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without getting out of bed in the middle night. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your new baby and babies until 6 months of age.
The top models offer good breathability and slats that are open and wide enough to allow air flow. 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 include an swaddle bag that can assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
You want a model that is light and compact when folded so it's easy to move around your home or take away with you. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on one side can be useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to match the height of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib with an adjustable height can give you a better chance of getting into and out of bed easily especially in the initial weeks when you're still recovering.
Certain models come with additional features that could be beneficial, such as a tummy tilt for reflux, or the ability to detach to become a moses basket, and later 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. Find out the price and what bedding comes with the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
New moms are enthralled by the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside, which allow them to monitor baby during feedings at night and changing nappy without getting out of bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from a C-section or any other medical issue such as colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and needs. Be aware of safety features and whether you are able to lift your baby from the crib to feed them or soothe them. Also, consider whether the crib comes with extras, such as rocking features. Also, take a look at the size and height of your bed and make sure that the crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're still loaded with amazing features, including air-tight mesh and transparent sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with stylish oak legs that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to allow you to touch your baby during the day, and for safer co-sleeping however, they come back up at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use at first.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation hazards. This is the reason that many cribs come with an adjustable mattress, however you can find suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can become worn out and deteriorate with time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to transport from room to space, or take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag, so you can easily take them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without worrying about them rolling off the mattress or suffocating. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend that you only sleep with them for the first 6 months, with an additional mattress in the same space to minimize the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you choose, bedside cribs may include features that enhance their convenience. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and is adjustable in the height so that it is easier for you reach in and pick up your child. travel bedside crib of this model that slopes down. One MFM home tester said that this gave her have a'simple access" to comfort their child.
Some models have additional extras, such as the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby has a condition that causes reflux but remember that your newborn should rest on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it is be to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and comes with a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Consider the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Make sure the bed is easy to attach and if there's bags included for travel. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when traveling.