Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great choice when you want your baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They adhere to the strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home test subjects love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access. It also features an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close at night without fear of suffering from suffocation. They attach to the sides of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your baby in the middle of the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. 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 is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A number of cribs from the past were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. 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 new rules forbid cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to lie next to your bed, but offer a more secure protection as they sink below your mattress. All models on our list 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 attached to your bed and that it is securely 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 and Baby Awards.
It's also important to remember that the crib should only be used for sleeping purposes and should not 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 guidelines which state that infants should sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for your bed lets you keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the risk of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical, and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies until 6 months old.
The top models offer good breathability, with slats that are open and wide enough to allow air flow. You can also move the window or door depending on your needs. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby and nurse them or examine their sleep at the end of the night. Some models also include a swaddle sack to help you to have a secure sleep routine.
It should be small and light when folded, so that it is easy to carry around the house. It should also be easy to clean, and come with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. The pocket at the other end can be used to store extra baby clothes and nappies.
Some bedside cribs include the mattress, while other require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure the mattress is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid bedside cosleeper that are second-hand as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to fit the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a better chances of getting in and out of bed with ease, especially during the early days of recovering.
Certain models come with useful features, like a tummy-tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses bin that can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Other features to consider include whether the crib rock, folds down to lie flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth determining the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's often necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow them to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without having to get out of the bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after c-section, or after recovering from other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Apart from the obvious safety features, consider whether you want to be capable of lifting your baby out of the crib to feed them or soothe them, and if it has any extras such as a rocking function. Also, consider the size and height of your bed and check that any crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, but they have amazing features, like air-tight mesh, see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and comes with stylish oak legs, which means it's sure to fit in your bedroom. Plus, it's easy to put together and fold and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to allow you to touch your baby during the day and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience however, they appear again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, though one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use at first.
You must make sure that the bedding used to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other openings which could cause an air suffocation. Most cribs are equipped with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they are likely to wear out and degrade with time, increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to move from room room, or to take when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, to allow you to transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and babies as they let you see your baby at night without the danger of them rolling off your mattress or getting suffocated. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend that you only sleep with them for the first six months and then have a separate mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you select, bedside cribs could feature features that increase their ease of use. For example one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy to reach into the crib and take your baby. The model comes with a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester reported that this provided her with 'easy access" to help their child.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux but keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a model be aware of how easy it will be to keep clean. Check if the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector that can guard against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Consider whether it is easy to attach to your bed, and if it comes with a bag for travelling. Take note of additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the possibility of converting it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. bedside co sleeper can be helpful for those who travel.