Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great option for parents who want their baby close by for fuss-free nighttime feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They follow strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favorite among home testers since it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels a full 360 degrees for easy access. 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 to you at night without risk of being suffocated. They are attached to your bed, which means you can reach out to comfort or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mums recovering after having a c-section. However, there's a lot to consider before purchasing one.
If you're looking for a crib to put next to your bed, be sure 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 as well as the sides of the crib. Be sure that the crib you select 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. newborn bedside cot of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to lay next to your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier since they are a bit beneath your mattress. All of the models in our list conform to these new requirements, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
It's also important to ensure that the crib you're considering purchasing is able to attach securely to your bed and is secured properly. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper like the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby awards.
It is important to keep in mind that a crib is only intended for sleep and should not be used with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines which state that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on a bed for an adult, or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close by at night without the threat of bed-sharing, which could increase the risk of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, convenient, and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies up until 6 months of age.
The most effective models have slats that are wide and open enough to allow for air flow. You can also roll up and down the door or window as you need. It is simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or examine them at night. Some models include an swaddle bag that can aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light in its fold so that it is easy to carry around the house. It should also be easy to clean, with an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on one side can be useful to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with mattresses, while others need to purchase separately. Make sure the mattress is designed for your specific model and is supple, flat and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height so that it is in line with the height of your own bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-section surgery A bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a greater chances of getting in and out of bed easily particularly in the early weeks when you're still recovering.
Certain models come with useful extras, like the tummy-tilt feature for reflux or a detachable moses bin that can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Check if the crib is rocking, can be folded flat to store, or comes with bags. Check the price and see what bedding is included in the crib. It is often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
New mums love the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside, which allow them to monitor baby during night feedings and diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from a c-section or other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. Be aware of safety features and if you are able to take your baby out of the crib in order to feed or soothe them. Also, make sure to check if the crib has any extras, like rocking capabilities. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that the crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, but they have amazing features, like the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It comes in three colors and features stylish oak legs, so it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also easy to put together, fold and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lower in the daytime to allow the baby to be held and sleep in a safe manner, but are raised again at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use initially.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed should be a good fit and should not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation dangers. A majority of cribs come with mattresses. However sheets are available that will fit in the majority of retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they are likely to wear out and become worse with age increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room to space, or take on trips on. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag, so you can easily take them to short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and newborns because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the fear of them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest that you only sleep with them for the first six months and then have a separate mattress in the same room to decrease the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you choose the bedside crib could have features that make it more convenient. For instance, one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach in and take your baby. This model has a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester said that this provided her with 'easy access" to comfort their child.
resources include extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy), or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are beneficial for children with an illness that causes reflux, but your baby should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
Think about how easy it is be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washed and if it comes with a mattress protector with waterproof properties that will shield you from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other things to consider are the ease with which it can build and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure it is easy to attach and if there's bags included to travel with. Additionally, take note of whether it has additional features like a tummy tilt or the option of turning it into a moses basket for older babies - this could be helpful for travel.