Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great choice for parents who want their baby close by for fuss-free nighttime feeding. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favored among home testers because it can be adjusted to suit the bed's height, and it swivels a full 360 degrees to make it easy to access. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close at night without fear of suffocation. They attach to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child during the night, and they're perfect for mothers recovering from a c-section. There are many things to think about before purchasing one.
When you're looking for a crib that is bedside, ensure you're buying an item that is in line with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were recalled due to the risk of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Make sure the crib you select meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be in place in November 2020.
The biggest change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs can no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature half-height walls that allow your baby to lie next to your bed but provide a more protective barrier by sinking slightly lower than the mattress. All of the models in our list meet the new standards and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Make sure 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, such as the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother and Baby Awards.
large bedside crib 's also important to remember that the crib should be used only to sleep and should not be used with bedding or other accessories, like blankets, pillows, toys or stuffed animals. Official safe sleep advice from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only rest in their own bed space, in their own crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or any other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close at night without the threat of bed-sharing, which can increase the risk of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, practical, and comfortable for your infant baby and babies up until 6 months of age.
The most effective models come with slats that are wide and wide enough to allow for airflow. They also come with an opening or window that can be rolled up or down depending on the need. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby and nurse them or examine their sleep at the end of the night. Some models even come with the swaddle sack, which can help you with a safe sleep routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around the house or to take with you on your travels. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on the other side is handy to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed specifically for your model and is flat, firm and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height to ensure that it matches the height of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering from C-section surgery, a bedside crib with an adjustable height can give you a better chances of getting in and out of bed easily especially in the initial weeks when you're still recovering.
Some models have extra features that can be useful for parents, like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detach to transform into a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat to store, or comes with bags. Find out the price and what bedding comes with the crib. It is usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
New mothers are enthralled by the convenience of bedside cribs that let them monitor baby during feedings at night and nappy changes without having to get out of bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from c-section or other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
The best crib for you depends on your preferences and lifestyle. Consider the safety features and if you can lift your baby from the crib to feed or soothe them. Also, check whether the crib is equipped with extras, like rocking features. Also, look at the dimensions and the height of your bed and ensure that the crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be cheaper than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're packed with amazing features, including air-tight mesh and transparent sides, as well as reflux incline options and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs to fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold up, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be lowered during the day, allowing you to touch your baby and sleep in a safe manner and then raised at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
You should ensure that the bedding you choose for a crib beside a bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other openings which could cause the suffocation. This is the reason that many cribs come with mattresses that are fitted, but you can find suitable sheets at most stores. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they can be worn down and deteriorate over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room room or to take along during holidays. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit into the carry bag, so that you can take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and babies because they allow you to see your baby at night without the danger of them rolling off your mattress or getting suffocated. It's important to remember that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby for the first six months with a separate bed in the same room to lower the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you choose, the bedside crib may come with features that make it more practical. For example one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach inside and pick up your little one. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester reported gave her 'easy access' to soothe their infant.
Certain models include extra features such as a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings that aid with reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby suffers from a condition that causes reflux, but remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When choosing a model be aware of how easy it will be to keep clean. Find out if the fabric is machine washable and if it has a waterproof mattress protector that will shield you from leaky nappies, baby sick or spills. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Think about the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Make sure the bed is easy to attach and if there's bags included to travel with. Also, think about if it has additional features like tilting your tummy or the possibility of turning it into a moses basket for older babies - this is a great option for traveling.