Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for the night without any fuss, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the best option. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They are based on strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home testers love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. resources is easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep baby close by at night without the risk of suffocation or overheating. They attach to your bed, so you can reach out to comfort or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from a c section. There's plenty to think about before purchasing one.
When shopping for a bedside crib ensure you're buying one that meets 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 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 this year.
The biggest change in the new rules is that bedside cribs will not have drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to sleep next to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier since they are a bit below the mattress. All of the models we have listed 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.
Make sure that the crib is securely affixed to your bed and that it is correctly fixed. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system, such as the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards.
It is also important to remember that the crib is intended for sleeping purposes and should not be used with any bedding or accessories like blankets, pillows, toys, or toys for stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should only sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close at night, without the danger that they might be shared with another baby. This can increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed in the middle night. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models come with slats that are wide and wide enough to allow air flow. You can also move the door or window as you need. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or examine them at night. Some models also include the swaddle sack, which can help you sleep in a safe routine.
You want a model that is lightweight and compact when folded making it easy to move around the house or transport to your destination. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. The pocket at the other end can be used to store extra baby clothes and nappies.
Some cribs with a bedside include mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure the mattress is flat, firm and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to match the bed's height. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height can be extremely beneficial to you, especially if you recovering from a C-section.
Some models include useful extras, such as an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or a detachable moses bin that can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rocks or folds down to lay flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth determining how much the model costs and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to purchase additional sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
New mothers are enthralled by the convenience of bedside cribs that allow them to keep an eye on baby during night feeds and changing nappy without getting out of the bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from c-section or other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and needs. Aside from the obvious safety features, consider whether you'd like to be able to lift your baby out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it includes additional features like the ability to rock. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that any crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, however they do have some amazing features, like air-tight mesh, see-through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and has smart oak legs, so it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered during the day, allowing the baby to be held and sleep in a safe manner, but are raised again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, although one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use at first.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed must be fitted properly and should not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation risks. That's why many cribs come with a fitted mattress, but you can find suitable sheets at most retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they will wear out and become worse with age and increase the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room rooms, or to take when you go on trips on. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in bags, so you can easily bring them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to see your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the bed or suffocating. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend that you only sleep with them for the first 6 months, with an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you pick, bedside cribs can include features that enhance their convenience. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted in the height to make it easier to reach and pick up your child. This model has a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this gave her 'easy access" to soothe their child.
Some models include additional features, such as a rocking feature (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are beneficial for children with an illness that can cause reflux, however, your infant should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Think about how easy it is be 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 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 put together and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure it is easy to attach and if there's bags included to travel with. Consider if the product has extras such as a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when travelling.