Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great choice if you want your baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favored by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to fit the bed's height, and it swivels to 360 degrees for easy 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 during the night without the risk of being suffocated. They attach to the sides of your bed so that you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your child during the night, and they're perfect for mothers recovering from an op. There are many things to consider prior to purchasing one.
If you're shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're choosing a model that complies with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled because they allow babies to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose 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 will no longer have completely drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to sleep next to your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier because they sink a little below your mattress. All of the models on our list conform to these new requirements, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Make sure that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is securely anchored. This is especially important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleep 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 is crucial to keep in mind that a crib is meant for sleeping, and should not be used with bedding or other accessories like toys, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep advice that states that infants should sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of bed-sharing which can increase the likelihood of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and soothe your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models have slats that are wide and open enough to allow for air flow. They also come with windows or doors that can be rolled up or down depending on the need. This makes it simple to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models even come with an swaddle bag to assist you to have a secure sleep routine.
It should be compact and light when folded so that it is easy to carry around the home. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on one side is useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress, while others have to buy separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed for your specific model and is flat, firm and breathable. Avoid using second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it's in line with the size of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be a great help for you, particularly in the event that you recovering from a C Section.
Certain models have additional features that can be useful for parents, like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or the ability to 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 a bag. It's also worth checking how much the model costs and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to buy separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
New mothers love the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that let them monitor their baby during night feedings and changing nappy without having to get out of the bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from a C-section or other medical condition such as colic or reflux.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and requirements. Consider the safety features and if you are able to take your baby out of the crib in order to feed them or soothe them. Also, check whether the crib comes with extras, such as rocking capabilities. Also, take a look at the size and the height of your bed, and check that any crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, but they still have excellent features, including breathable mesh and see through sides, an option for reflux incline and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs to be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to let you touch your baby during the day and for a safer co-sleeping environment however, they appear again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, although one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use at first.
It is essential to make sure that the bedding used for a crib next to a bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings that could lead to suffocation. This is the reason that many cribs have an adjustable mattress, however you can purchase suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. It's a good idea avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they may be worn out and degrade over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room to room or take with you when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning you can easily bring them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without having to worry about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend that you only sleep with them for the first six month, with an additional mattress in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you choose, bedside cribs may have features that add to their convenience. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted in height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. The model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester reported gave her "easy access" to comfort their infant.
Some models come with extras like a rocking feature (great for fussy babies), or incline settings to help with reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby has a condition that causes reflux. However, keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Think about how easy it is to clean the model. Make sure bedside co sleeper cot is machine washable and comes with a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Consider the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Make sure it's easy to attach to your bed and if it comes with a bag for travelling. Take note of additional features like a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when travelling.