Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great choice when you want your baby to be close for a peaceful nighttime feeding. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love the fact that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access. It also has an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without fear of suffocation. They are attached to your bed, so you can reach out and soothe or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mums recovering after a c section. There's plenty to think about before you invest in one.
When searching for a crib to place beside your bed, ensure that the model you choose meets current safety standards. Many older cribs were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Be sure that the crib you pick is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be launched in November 2020.
The new regulations prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, many models come with half-height walls that allow your baby to lay close to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a little lower than your 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.
Make sure that the crib is securely affixed to your bed, and that it is properly fixed. This is especially crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system, such as the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother and Baby Awards.
It is important to remember, too, that a crib is only designed for sleeping and should not be used with bedding or accessories such as toys, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animal. Official advice for safe sleep from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should rest in their own bed space, in their own crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or any other type of mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close by at night without the threat of bed-sharing which can increase the chance of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies up until 6 months old.
The top models offer excellent breathability and slats that are wide enough to allow airflow. They also have an opening or window that you can roll up or down as needed. This makes it easy to change your baby's diapers, nurse him or check on them during the night. Some models include the swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
You want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded so it's easy to move around your home or to take with you on your travels. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one end can be useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with a mattress, while others must purchase separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find best bedside cot for newborn that has an adjustable height to ensure that it matches the height of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be a great help to you, especially when you recovering from a C-section.
Some models include useful extras, like a tummy-tilt for reflux or a detachable moses bin that can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rock or folds down to lay flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth determining the price and what bedding is included - it's often necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
New moms are enthralled by the convenience of bedside cribs that allow them to keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and nappy changes without getting out of bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition like reflux or colic.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Be aware of safety features and if you will be able take your baby out of the crib to feed or soothe them. Also, consider whether the crib comes with extras, like rocking features. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that any crib you pick will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they do have some amazing features, like the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and comes with stylish oak legs, which means it's perfect for your bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lower in the daytime to allow the baby to be held and co-sleep safely and then raised at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, although one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use initially.
The bedding you put in a crib for bed must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation dangers. This is the reason that many cribs come with a fitted mattress, but sheets that are suitable for use at a variety of retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can become worn out and become worse with age and increase the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or carry when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags so that you can easily take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to note that official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby during the first six months with a separate bed in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Depending on which model you choose the crib that you choose for your bed could have features that make it more practical. For instance one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach into the crib and pick up your child. The sidewall of this model that dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this provided her with have a'simple access" to help their child.
Certain models come with additional features for example, the ability to rock (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These are useful to use if your baby is suffering from an illness that causes reflux but be aware that your baby should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Find out if the fabric is machine washable and if it has a mattress protector that is waterproof that will shield you from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Think about the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Make sure the bed is simple to attach and if there's a bag included for travel. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as a tummy tilt or the option of turning it into moses baskets for older babies - this could be helpful for travel.