Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great option when you want your baby close to you for a relaxed evening feeding. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love the fact that the crib can rotate 360 degrees to make it easy to access and comes with an adjustable mattress to match your bed. It is also easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep your baby close throughout the night without putting them at risk of overheating or suffocating. They can be attached to the side of your bed, so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your infant during the night, and they're perfect for mothers recovering from an op. There's plenty to think about before you purchase one.
If you're choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, be sure that the crib you pick conforms to current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled because they let children slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they could pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of 2020.
The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs may not have drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to lay beside your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier because they sink a little below the mattress. travel cot bedside of the models on our list conform to these new requirements and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also worth checking if the crib you're looking at is able to attach securely to your bed and is secured properly. This is particularly 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 for the Mother&Baby awards.
It's also important to remember that a crib should only be used for sleeping and should never be used with any bedding or accessories, such as pillows, blankets toys or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an 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 kind of soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child in close proximity during the night, without having to take the possibility that they could be shared with another baby. This can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to comfort your baby without getting out of bed in the middle night. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models feature excellent breathability with slats wide enough and open enough to allow airflow. They also come with a door and/or window that you can roll up or down when needed. It's easy to change your baby's diaper and nurse them or monitor them at night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be small and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the house. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store spare diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, while others have to buy separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to match the height of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-section surgery, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a better chances of getting in and out of bed quickly especially in the initial weeks of healing.
Certain models have additional features that are useful, such as a tummy tilt for reflux, or detach to transform into a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib is rocking or folds down to lay flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. Find out the price and what bedding is included with the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for new mums. They allow them to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without getting out of their bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after c-section, or in the aftermath of other medical conditions, such as colic or reflux.
The best crib for you depends on your needs and your lifestyle. Be aware of safety features and if you are able to lift your baby from the crib to feed or soothe them. Also, check if the crib has any extras, like rocking capabilities. Also, consider the dimensions and the height of your bed and check that any crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be more affordable than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're packed with fantastic features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, reflux incline options and adjustable height. 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 make it a great fit for any bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold up, and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be lowered during the day to allow you to hold your baby and sleep in a safe manner and then raised at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home testers had difficulty getting it to use for the first time.
The bedding you choose to use in a crib bed should be a good fit and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation risks. That's why many cribs have a fitted mattress, but sheets that are suitable for use at a variety of retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they will wear out and degrade with time and increase the risk of SIDS.
bedside co sleeper are also smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to move from room space, or take when you go on trips on. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag so that you can take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without worrying about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. However, it's important to keep in mind that the official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your child for the first six months with a separate bed in the same room, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you select, bedside cribs could include features that enhance their convenience. For instance, one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height so it's easy to reach inside and take your baby. The model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to hold their infant.
Certain models come with additional features for example, a rocking feature (useful for fussy babies) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These may be handy to use if your baby is suffering from an illness that causes reflux. However, keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Think about how easy it is be to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other things to consider are the ease with which it can put together and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure it is easy to attach and if there's a bag included to travel with. Take note of additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the ability to convert it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature for those who travel.