Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great choice for parents who want their baby to be close for a peaceful evening feeding. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home test subjects love that this crib swivels 360deg for easy access. It also has an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It is also easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by during the night without risking suffocation or overheating. They attach to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your baby in the middle of the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. However, there's a lot to think about before purchasing one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib make sure you're choosing an item that is in line with current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalled because they allow babies to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Be sure that the crib you pick meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be launched in November 2020.
The new rules forbid bedside cribs from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, most models feature half-height walls, which still allow your baby to lie close to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier by sinking a bit lower than your 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 that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also worth checking that the crib you're looking at is able to attach securely to your bed and is attached correctly. This is particularly important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper such as the free-standing Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It's also important to remember that a crib is intended to sleep and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories, such as pillows, blankets toys or stuffed animals. Official advice for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only rest in their own bed space, in their own crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any other mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of bed-sharing which can increase the risk of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach over and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies up to 6 months old.
The best models come with slats that are wide and wide enough to allow for air flow. You can also roll up and down the window or door as you need. This makes it easy to nurse, change your baby, or check on them throughout the night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
You want a model that is lightweight and compact when folded making it easy to move around the house or take away with you. It should also be easy to clean, with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. A pocket on one side is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include the mattress, while other require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure the mattress is firm, flat and airy. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to match the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be extremely beneficial for you, particularly if you recovering from a C-section.
Certain models come with additional features that can be useful for parents, like a tummy tilt for reflux, or detach to transform into a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat for storage or comes with bags. Find out the price and what bedding is included with the crib. It is usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
New mums appreciate the convenience of bedside cribs that allow them to keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from a c-section or other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
The best crib for your child is based on your needs and lifestyle. Consider the safety features and if you are able to take your baby out of the crib to feed or soothe them. Also, consider whether the crib comes with extras, like rocking features. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that any crib you pick can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, but they do have some amazing features, like breathable mesh and see through sides, reflux incline option and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs to be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be removed during the day to allow you to hold your baby and sleep safely and then raised at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, but one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use initially.
You must ensure that the bedding used for a crib beside a bedside is fitted properly. There should be no gaps or other openings, that could lead to suffocation. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. It is a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they are prone to wear and degrade over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room or to take along during holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning they are easy to take to short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you observe your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or suffocating. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend that you only sleep with them for the first 6 months with an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you choose, bedside cribs may feature features that increase their convenience. For instance, one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts its height to make it easy to reach in and pick up your little one. The model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester described as giving an easy access to soothe their baby.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are useful in the event that your child suffers from a condition that causes reflux, but your newborn should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Think about how easy it is to clean the model. Check if the fabric is machine washable and if it has a waterproof protector that can guard against leaky nappies or drips. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to change it and wash it.
Other things to consider are how easy it is to put together and how compact when folded away. Check if bedside cot reviews is simple to attach and if there's bags included to carry it on the road. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as tilting the tummy or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older children - this is a great option for traveling.