Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a fantastic option when you want your baby close by for fuss-free evening feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They are based on official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home testers love the fact that this crib swivels 360deg to make it easy to access and has an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without risk of being suffocated. They can be 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 mothers recovering from having a c-section. There's plenty to consider before you invest in one.
When looking for an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, make sure that the crib you pick is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled due to the fact that they permit children to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure the crib you are considering is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of this year.
The new rules forbid cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, most models feature 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lie next to your bed but offer a more secure barrier by sinking a bit lower than the mattress. All models on our list 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.
Check that the crib is securely affixed to your bed and that it is securely anchored. This is particularly 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&Baby Awards.
It is also important to remember that a crib is intended for sleeping purposes and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other accessories, like blankets, pillows, toys, or animals that are stuffed. Official advice for safe sleep from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should sleep in their own sleep space, in their own crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child in close proximity at night, without the possibility that they could be shared with another baby. This could increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to comfort your baby without having to get out of bed in the middle night. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, easy to use and comfortable for your new baby and babies up until 6 months of age.
The most effective models have slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow air circulation. They also come with a door and/or window that can be folded up or down as needed. This makes it easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on them throughout the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be small and light when folded, so that it is easy to carry around the home. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on one side can be useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use the mattress, while other require you to purchase a mattress separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed for your specific model and is supple, flat and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to the bed's height. Especially if bedside cot co sleeper recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height can give you a better chance of getting in and out of bed quickly particularly in the early weeks of recovering.
Some models come with useful extras, like the tummy-tilt feature for reflux or a detachable moses' basket which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat for storage, or comes with a bag. It's also worth determining the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's usually necessary to purchase additional sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They let them keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes, without getting out of bed. They also help babies settle after a csection or when recovering from other medical conditions, such as colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. Consider the safety features and whether you will be able take your baby out of the crib in order to feed them or soothe them. Also, consider whether the crib is equipped with extras, like rocking features. Also, consider the size and the height of your bed and make sure that the crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, but they do have some great features, such as the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and has smart oak legs, which means it's perfect for your bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to fold and assemble, and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with 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 example, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use for the first time.
You should make sure that the bedding you use to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There should not be gaps or other openings which could cause the suffocation. This is why a lot of cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most stores. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they are likely to wear out and degrade with time increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room rooms, or to take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning they are easy to take along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for new babies and parents because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the risk of them falling off the mattress or getting suffocated. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest that you only sleep with them for the first 6 months and then have an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the risk of SIDS.
Depending on which model you pick the crib that you choose for your bed could have features that make it more practical. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and is adjustable in the height so that it is easier to reach and pick your child up. bedside cot reviews has a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester said that this gave her have a'simple access" to soothe their child.
Some models have additional extras for example, a rocking function (useful for fussy babies) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux. However, be aware that your baby should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a model be aware of how easy it will be to clean. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable and if it has a waterproof protector to keep away leaky nappies and dribbles. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Consider whether it is simple to attach to your bed and if it has a bag to use for travelling. Take note of extras such as a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when traveling.