Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close for the night without any fuss, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the perfect choice. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favored among home testers because it is adjustable to match your bed height and swivels all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close at night without the risk of suffering from suffocation. They can be attached to the sides of your bed so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child during the night. They're suitable for mothers who are recovering from the c-section. There are a lot of things to consider prior to purchasing one.
When shopping for a bedside crib, make sure you're choosing one that meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled due to the fact that they let children fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to lay beside your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier as they sink beneath your mattress. All of our models are in compliance with these new standards. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards 2017
Make sure that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is securely anchored. This is especially 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's important to remember that a crib is meant for sleeping, and should not be used with bedding or other items like toys, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep advice that states that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type of soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child safe throughout the night, without the possibility that they could be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach out to soothe 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, practical and comfortable for your infant baby and babies up until 6 months old.
The top models offer excellent breathability, with slats that are wide enough and open enough to let air flow. They also come with an opening or window that can be rolled up or down as needed. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or examine them at night. Some models even come with an swaddle bag to assist you with a safe sleep routine.
It should be small and light when folded so that it is easy to transport around the home. It is also easy to clean, and come with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. A pocket on one side is useful to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress, while others must purchase separately. Make sure the mattress is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height that it matches the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be a great help to you, particularly if you are recovering from a C section.
Certain models come with useful features, like the tummy-tilt feature to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses bin which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage or comes with bags. It's also worth looking into how much the model costs and the bedding included - it's often necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow them to monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without getting out of bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from a c-section or other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and requirements. Take into consideration the safety features and whether you will be able take your baby out of the crib in order to feed them or calm them. Also, consider whether the crib is equipped with extras, such as a rocking feature. Check the height and size of your bed to make sure that the crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they still have great features, such as breathable mesh and see through sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and comes with stylish oak legs, which means it will fit right into your bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
bedside baby sleeper come with side panels that can be lowered down to let you touch your baby during the day, and for safer co-sleeping however, they come back up at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, but one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use at first.
You should make sure that the bedding you use for a crib next to a bed is properly fitted. There should not be gaps or other openings, which could lead to an air suffocation. A majority of cribs come with a mattress. However, bedside baby bed can find sheets that are suitable for most stores. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they will wear out and become worse with age increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room room or to take along during holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags to allow you to take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to look at your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. However, it's important to note that official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby for the first six months - with a separate bed in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick, bedside cribs can have features that add to their convenience. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test can swivel and can be adjusted in height to make it easier to reach and pick your child up. The sidewall of this model which dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this provided her with 'easy access" to comfort their child.
Some models include additional features for example, a rocking feature (useful for fussy babies) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux, but remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a model be aware of the ease to clean. Find out if the fabric is machine washable and if there's a waterproof mattress protector that protects you from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Consider the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Consider whether it is easy to attach to your bed and if it comes with a bag for travelling. Check if the product comes with additional features like a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when traveling.