Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great option if you want your baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love that this crib swivels 360deg to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep baby close by at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They are attached to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child during the night, and they're suitable for mothers who are recovering from the c-section. There's plenty to think about before you invest in one.
When choosing a crib to put next to your bed, be sure that the crib you select meets current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Make sure the crib you are considering meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November of this year.
The most significant change to the new rules is that bedside cribs may not have drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to sleep beside your bed, but also offer a more secure protection since they are a bit below your 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 Awards 2017.
Check that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is securely anchored. This is particularly important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system like the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards.
It's important to remember that a crib is only intended for sleep and should not be used with bedding or other accessories like pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep advice that states that infants should sleep in their cribs or cots and not on an adult's bed, or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without getting out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have slats that are wide and open enough to allow for air circulation. They also have windows or doors that can be rolled up or down depending on the need. It is easy to change your baby's diaper and nurse them or check on them at night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
You'll want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded making it easy to move around your home or transport to your destination. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on the other side 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 flat, firm, and comfortable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to fit the bed's height. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be a great help to you, especially when you recovering from a C section.
Certain models come with additional features that could be beneficial, such as a tummy tilt for reflux, or the ability to detach to make a moses' basket and later a toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage, or comes with a bag. It's also worth determining the cost of the crib and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to purchase separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
New moms appreciate the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that let them keep an eye on baby during night feedings 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 such as colic or reflux.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and preferences. Take into right here and whether you can lift your baby from the crib to feed them or soothe them. Also, consider whether the crib comes with additional features, like rocking features. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that any crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they have excellent features, including breathable mesh and see through sides, an option for reflux incline and adjustable height. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It's available in three colors and comes with stylish oak legs, so it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also easy to put together, fold and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you hold your baby during the day, and for a safer co-sleeping environment however, they pop up again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, although one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to operate initially.
The bedding you put in a bedside crib must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation hazards. Most cribs are equipped with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they will wear out and deteriorate with time and increase the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room room or take with you during holidays. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags, so you can easily bring them with you on short trips.
bedside cot mattress let you look at your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest that you only sleep with them for the first six months, with a separate mattress in the same space to minimize the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model you select, bedside cribs could have features that add to their ease of use. For example, one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach into the crib and pick up your little one. This model also has a sidewall that dips down, which an MFM home tester reported gave her 'easy access' to hold their infant.
Some models come with extras such as a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are beneficial if your child has a condition which causes reflux, but your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will to clean the model. Find out if the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a mattress protector with waterproof properties that will shield you from leaky nappies, baby sick or dribbles. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Think about the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Check if it's simple to attach to your bed and if it has a bag to use for travel. Check if the product comes with extras such as a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when travelling.