Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great option when you want your baby close by for fuss-free nighttime feeding. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favored among home testers since it is adjustable to match your bed's height and rotates a full 360 degrees for easy access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close during the night without risk of suffering from suffocation. They can be attached to your bed, which means you can reach out to soothe or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from having a c-section. There are many things to consider before investing in one.
If you are choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, ensure that the crib you pick is safe and meets the current standards for safety. Many older cribs were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Make sure the crib you are considering is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of 2020.
The new rules forbid bedside cribs from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, many models come with half-height walls that allow your baby to lay next to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a little lower than 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 important to ensure that the crib you're looking at is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is attached properly. 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 also important to remember that the crib is intended to sleep and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or 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 infants should sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which can increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. 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 most effective models have good breathability, with slats that are open and wide enough to allow air flow. They also come with an opening or window that you can roll up or down when needed. It is simple to change your baby's diaper or nurse them, or monitor their sleep at the end of the night. Some models include the swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
You want a mattress that is light 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 side is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress and others you must purchase separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed specifically for your model and is supple, flat and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to fit the bed's height. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height can be a great help for you, particularly when you recovering from a C section.
Certain models come with additional features that are useful, such as tilting the tummy for reflux, or detach to make a moses' basket and later toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rocks and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth checking how much the model costs and the bedding included - it's often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic option for new mums. They allow them to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without getting out of bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from a c-section or other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and requirements. Be aware of safety features and whether you are able to remove your baby from the crib in order to feed or calm them. Also, consider whether the crib comes with extras, like a rocking feature. Also, consider the dimensions and the height of your bed and check that any crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically more affordable than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're packed with amazing features, including breathable mesh and see-through sides, as well as reflux incline options and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and has smart oak legs, which means it's sure to fit in your bedroom. Plus, it's 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 lower during the day to allow you to hold your baby and co-sleep safely and then 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 for the first time.
The bedding you choose to use in a bedside crib must be fitted properly and must not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation hazards. This is the reason that many cribs have a fitted mattress, but sheets that are suitable for use at most retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they are likely to wear out and deteriorate with time increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room to room or take with you when you go on vacation. bedside cots for newborns are small enough to fit in bags so that you can transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and babies because they allow you to see your baby at night without the danger of them rolling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. But, it's important to note that official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby during the first six months with an additional bed in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Depending on which model you pick, the bedside crib may have features that make it more comfortable. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and is adjustable in height to make it easier to reach and pick up your child. This model has a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester said that this gave her 'easy access" to soothe their child.
Some models include 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 have if your baby suffers from a condition that causes reflux but keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it will to clean the model. Check whether the fabric is machine washable and if it has a mattress protector with waterproof properties that protects you from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier to wash and change it.
Other factors to consider include the ease with which it can put together and how compact when folded away. Consider whether it is easy to connect to your bed, and if it comes with a bag to take it with you on your travels. Also, think about if it has additional features like a tummy tilt or the option to turn it into moses baskets for older babies - this can be useful for travelling.