Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close for fuss-free feeding at night, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the perfect choice. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They follow strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favorite among home testers because it can be adjusted to fit your bed's height and rotates all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by throughout the night without putting them at risk of overheating or suffocating. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of night. They're also great for mothers who are recovering from a c section. There are a variety of factors to consider before investing in one.
If you are choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, be sure that the model you choose is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A lot of cribs older than that were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Make sure bedside cot used pick is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which is scheduled to be introduced in November 2020.
The most significant change to the new rules is that bedside cribs will not be made with completely drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature half-height walls, which still allow your baby to sleep next to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier by sinking a little lower than your mattress. All of the models we have listed conform to these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Check that the crib is securely affixed 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 like the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother and Baby Awards.
It is also important to remember that a crib is intended to sleep and should not be used with bedding or accessories, like blankets, pillows toys, or animals that are stuffed. Official safe sleep advice from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only sleep in their own sleep space, in their own crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or any other mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for your bed lets you keep your baby close by 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 soothe your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies as young as 6 months old.
The top models offer excellent breathability with slats open and wide enough to let air flow. They also feature a door and/or window that can be folded up or down as needed. This makes it simple to nurse, change your baby, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models even come with the swaddle sack, which can help you to have a secure sleep routine.
You'll want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around your home or transport to your destination. It should also be easy to clean, and come with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed for your specific model and is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid using bedside cot newborn -hand mattresses because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to fit the bed's height. Particularly if you're recovering a C-section A bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a greater chance of getting in and out of bed with ease, especially during the early days of recovering.
Certain models come with useful features, like an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or a detachable moses' basket which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Check if the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat for storage or comes with a bag. It's also worth determining 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
Bedside cribs are a great option for mothers who are new. They let them keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without having to get out of their bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from a C-section or other medical condition such as colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and requirements. In addition to the obvious safety features, consider whether you'd like to be capable of lifting your child from the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it includes any additional features, such as the ability to rock. Also, look at the dimensions and height of your bed and make sure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're packed with great features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, incline options for reflux and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with elegant oak legs that be a perfect fit in 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 come with side panels that can be lowered in the daytime to allow you to hold your baby and co-sleep safely and then raised at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use for the first time.
You should ensure that the bedding you use for a crib next to a bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other gaps, that could lead to suffocation. This is the reason that many cribs have an adjustable mattress, however you can find suitable sheets at most retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can become worn out and become worse with age and increase the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or carry during holidays. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag, so you can easily take them to short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and newborns because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the risk of them falling off your mattress or getting suffocated. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first 6 months, with an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you select, bedside cribs could have features that add to their ease of use. For instance one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts its height to make it easy to reach inside and pick up your little one. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester described as giving an easy access to soothe their infant.
Some models have extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings that help with reflux. These can be useful to use if your baby is suffering from an illness that causes reflux but keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a model be aware of how easy it is to keep clean. Check whether the fabric can be washed by machine and if it comes with a waterproof mattress protector that will shield you from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some cribs for bedside use an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier for you to change it and wash it.
Other factors to consider include the ease with which it can put together and how compact when folded away. Make sure it's simple to attach to your bed, and if it has a bag to use for travelling. Check if the product comes with additional features like a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when travelling.