Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great choice for parents who want their baby close to you for a relaxed evening feeding. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They are based on official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home test subjects love that this crib rotates 360deg for easy access and comes with an adjustable mattress to fit your bed. It is also easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without fear of being suffocated. They attach to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child in the middle of the night, and they're suitable for mothers who are recovering from the c-section. There's plenty to consider before you purchase one.
When shopping for a bedside crib make sure you're looking at an item that is in line with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled due to the fact that they allow babies to fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which will be in place in November 2020.
The most significant change to the new regulations is that bedside cribs can not have drop-down sides. bedside cot co sleeper of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to sleep beside your bed, but offer a more secure barrier since they are a bit beneath 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 Award 2017
Check 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 go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It is also important to remember that the crib is intended for sleeping purposes and should not be used with any bedding or 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 any other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child safe at night, without the possibility that they could be sharing a crib with another infant. This can increase the risk 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 infant baby and babies up until 6 months old.
The most effective models come with slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow air flow. They also come with a door and/or window that can be rolled up or down depending on the need. It is simple to change your baby's diaper and nurse them or examine them at night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the home. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket at one end can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with mattresses, while others need to purchase separately. Be sure the mattress is flat, firm and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to the height of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be a great help for you, particularly in the event that you are recovering from a C section.
Some models have extra features that can be useful for parents, like tilting the tummy for reflux, or detachable to become a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage or comes with a bag. It's also worth checking the price and what bedding is included - it's usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
New mothers are enthralled by the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that allow them to monitor baby during feedings at night and changing nappy without getting out of bed. They can also be useful in 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. Apart from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you'd like to be able to get your child from the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it comes with any extras such as a rocking function. Also, consider the size and the height of your bed and make sure that the crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, however they still have great features, such as air-tight mesh, see-through sides, reflux incline option and a height that can be adjusted. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and has smart oak legs, which means it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold up, and comes with a handy bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to let you hold your baby during the day, and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience, but then come back up at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home testers had difficulty getting it to use at first.
The bedding you put in a bedside crib should be a good fit and must not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation risks. This is the reason that many cribs have an adjustable mattress, however you can purchase suitable sheets at most retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they will wear out and deteriorate with time, increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room to room or take with you when you go on vacation. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit into bags to allow you to take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. 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 six months and then have an additional mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you pick, bedside cribs can feature features that increase their ease of use. For example one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach inside and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester said gave her 'easy access' to comfort their infant.
Certain models come with additional features like the ability to rock (useful for fussy babies) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are beneficial for children with a condition which causes reflux, but your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a model be aware of how easy it will be to keep clean. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed and if there's a waterproof mattress protector, which will protect from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Make sure it is easy to put together and if it comes with a bag included to carry it on the road. Additionally, take note of whether it comes with extras such as tilting your tummy or the option of turning it into a moses basket for older children - this is a great option for traveling.