Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close to you for the night without any fuss, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the ideal choice. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love that this crib rotates 360deg for easy access and features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It folds up easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without risk of suffocation. They are attached to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your baby in the middle of the night. They're perfect for mothers recovering from an op. There are a lot of things to consider before investing in one.
If you are looking for an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, ensure that the model you choose conforms to current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled due to the fact that they permit children to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they could pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Check that your chosen model 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. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to lie beside your bed, but provide a more protective barrier because they sink a little beneath the mattress. All of the models on our list comply with these new requirements, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Make sure that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is properly anchored. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper, such as the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby awards.
It's also important to remember that a crib should only be used for sleeping purposes and should not be used with any bedding or other accessories, like pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animals. Official advice for safe sleep from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only sleep in their own sleep space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach out 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 is safe, convenient and comfortable for your new baby and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow airflow. They also feature a door and/or window that can be folded up or down as needed. This makes it simple to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or check on them during the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can help you create a safe sleeping routine.
You want a model that is light and compact when folded, making it easy to move around the house or transport to your destination. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one end is handy to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use the mattress, while other require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure the mattress is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height so that it's in line with the size of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering C-section surgery, a bedside crib with an adjustable height can give you a better chances of getting in and out of bed easily especially in the initial weeks of recovering.
Certain models come with additional features that can be useful for parents, like tilting the tummy for reflux, or the ability to detach to become a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rock, folds down to lie flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. Look at the cost and find out what bedding comes with the crib. It is usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow mothers to monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes without getting out of bed. They also help babies settle after a csection or after recovering from other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and preferences. Apart from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be able to lift your child out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it includes any extras such as rocking functions. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that any crib you select can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, however they do have some amazing features, like air-tight mesh, see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and comes with stylish oak legs, so it's perfect for your bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to fold and assemble, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to allow you to touch your baby during the day, and for a safer co-sleeping environment However, they will pop up again at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use for the first time.
You should ensure that the bedding you choose for a crib beside a bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other openings that could lead to suffocation. This is the reason that many cribs come with an adjustable mattress, however you can purchase suitable sheets at most stores. It is a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they are prone to wear and degrade over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or take with you when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, so that you can take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the bed or suffocating. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six month, with a separate mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick the crib that you choose for your bed could include features that make it more practical. For instance one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height, making it easy to reach into the crib and pick up your child. The sidewall of this model that slopes down. One MFM home tester said that this gave her have a'simple access" to soothe their child.
Some models include additional features like the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby suffers from a condition that causes reflux, but keep in mind that your baby must rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and 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 keep away leaky nappies and drips. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Think about for beginners of assembly and compactness when folded. Check if the bed is easy to put together and if it comes with bags included to travel with. Take note of additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the possibility of converting it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful for those who travel.