Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a fantastic option for parents who want their baby close to you for a relaxed evening feeding. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a popular choice among home testers since it is adjustable to match your bed height and swivels a full 360 degrees for easy access. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep baby close by throughout the night without putting them at risk of suffocation or overheating. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from having a c-section. However, there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.
When shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're choosing one that meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Check that the crib you select meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be in place in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs will not have drop-down sides. Instead, the majority of models have half-height walls that allow your baby to sleep next to your bed but offer a more secure barrier by sinking a bit lower than the mattress. All of the models on our list meet the new standards, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Make bedside crib to cot that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is properly fixed. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping 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's also important to keep in mind that the crib is intended for sleeping purposes and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other accessories, such as pillows, blankets toys, or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines that state that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type of soft furniture.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close throughout the night, without the possibility that they could be shared with another baby. This could increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach out and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies as young as 6 months old.
The most effective models have slats that are wide and open enough to allow airflow. They also feature a door and/or window that you can roll up or down as needed. It is simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or monitor their sleep at the end of the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can assist you in establishing a secure sleeping 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. The pocket at the other end can be used to store spare baby clothes and nappies.
Some bedside cribs include a mattress, while others require you to purchase one separately. Ensure that the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is firm, flat and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to fit the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be a great help for you, particularly when you recovering from a C-section.
Some models include useful features, like an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or a detachable moses basket that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib is rocking and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth determining the price and what bedding is included - it's often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
New mothers are enthralled by the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that allow them to monitor baby during feedings at night and changing nappy without having to get out of bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition like reflux or colic.
Choosing the right bedside crib for you depends on your preferences and your lifestyle. Take into consideration the safety features and if you are able to remove your baby from the crib to feed or soothe them. Also, consider whether the crib comes with extras, like rocking capabilities. Also, look at the size and the height of your bed, and check that any crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, but they have amazing features, like breathable mesh and see through sides, an option for reflux incline and adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and has smart oak legs, which means it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also easy to assemble, fold and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you hold your baby during the day and for safer co-sleeping However, they will come back up at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, though one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to operate initially.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed must be fitted properly and should not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation hazards. Most cribs are equipped with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they can be worn down and become deteriorated over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room to room or take with you on holidays. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit in a carry bag so that you can easily take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and babies because they allow you to see your baby at night without the risk of them falling off the mattress or suffocating. But, it's important to note that official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your baby during the first six months with an additional bed in the same room, to lower the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you choose, bedside cribs may include features that enhance their convenience. For example one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height, making it easy to reach into the crib and pick up your child. The model comes with a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester reported that this allowed her to 'easy access" to help their child.
Some models have extra features such as a rocking feature (great for fussy babies) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful for children with a condition which can cause reflux, however, your newborn should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if there's a mattress protector that is waterproof that will shield you from leaky nappies, baby sick or dribbles. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include the ease with which it can put together and how compact it is when folded away. Check if the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with bags included to travel with. Take note of extras such as a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be useful for those who travel.