Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for fuss-free feeding at night A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the best option. 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 for easy access and has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close at night without the risk of suffocation. They are attached to the sides of your bed so that you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your child during the night. They're perfect for mothers recovering from an op. But there's a lot to consider before purchasing one.
When you're looking for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're choosing an item that is in line with current safety standards. Many older cribs have been recalled due to the fact that they let children slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Check that your chosen model meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of 2020.
The most significant change to the new rules is that bedside cribs may no longer have completely drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to lie next to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier since they are a bit beneath the mattress. All of the models we have listed comply with these new requirements and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both 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 correctly. This is especially important if you plan 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 should be used only for sleeping purposes and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories, such as pillows, blankets, toys, or toys for stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines which state that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the likelihood of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without having to get out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies as young as 6 months old.
The top models offer good breathability, with slats that are open and wide enough to allow air flow. You can also move the door or window depending on your needs. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby, nurse them, or examine their sleep at night. Some models also include a swaddle sack to help you sleep in a safe routine.
It should be small and light when folded so that it is easy to transport around the home. It should also be easy to clean, with a a removable and washable mattress cover. The pocket at one end can be used to store spare nappies and baby clothes.
official source for bedside use the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is supple, flat and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height that it's in line with the size of your own bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a better chance of getting into and out of bed easily, especially during the early days of recovering.
Certain models come with additional features that are useful like a tummy tilt for reflux, or the ability to detach to transform into a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage, or comes with a bag. Check the price and see what bedding is included in the crib. bedside crib vs cot is often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic option for new mums. They let them monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without getting out of their bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition like colic or reflux.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and requirements. Be aware of safety features and whether you will be able take your baby out of the crib in order to feed them or soothe them. Also, check whether the crib comes with additional features, like rocking features. Examine the height and size of your bed to make sure that the crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically more affordable than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're still loaded with great features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs to fit into any bedroom. Plus, it's easy to put together and fold and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be removed during the day, allowing you to touch your baby 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 example, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use initially.
It is essential to make sure that the bedding used for a crib next to a bedside is fitted properly. There should be no gaps or other openings, which could cause an air suffocation. This is the reason that many cribs come with a fitted mattress, but you can find suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they will wear out and become worse with age and increase the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or carry during holidays. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit into the carry bag, so that you can easily transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and babies because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the danger of them rolling off your mattress or suffocating. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six month with a separate mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick the bedside crib could come with features that make it more comfortable. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted in the height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. The model also has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to comfort their baby.
Some models come with extras like a rocking function (great for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux. However, keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a model be aware of the ease to keep clean. Make sure the fabric can be washed by machine and if it has a mattress protector that is waterproof that protects you from leaky nappies, baby sick or dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier to change it and wash it.
Other things to consider are the ease with which it can assemble and how compact it is when folded away. Check if it's easy to connect to your bed and if it has a bag to use for travel. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as tilting the tummy or the possibility of turning it into a moses basket for older children - this can be useful for travelling.