Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for an easy nighttime feeding A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the perfect choice. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They are based on official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home test subjects love that this crib swivels 360deg for easy access. It also has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a bag for travel.
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 can be attached to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your child during the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. But there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.
When choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, make sure that the crib you pick meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were removed due to the risk of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Check that your chosen model meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November of this year.
The new rules prohibit bedside cribs from having sides that completely fall down. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to sleep on your bed, but offer a more secure protection because they sink a little below your mattress. All of the models we have listed conform to these new requirements and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Verify that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is properly secured. This is particularly important if you intend 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 is also important to remember that a crib should be used only for sleeping and should never be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets toys or toys for stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should sleep in their cribs or cots and not on an adult's bed, or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child safe during the night, without having to take the danger that they might be shared with another baby. This could increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach out to soothe your baby without getting out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and babies up to 6 months old.
The best models feature good breathability and slats that are wide enough and open enough to allow airflow. You can also roll up and down the window or door according to your needs. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or monitor them at the end of the night. Some models also come with the swaddle sack, which can help 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. It is also easy to clean, with a removable and washable mattress cover. A pocket on one end can be useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, while others have to buy separately. Make sure that the mattress is firm, flat, and comfortable. Avoid using second-hand mattresses, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height that it's in line with the size of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a greater chance of getting into 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. Other extras to consider are whether the crib is rocking, folds down to lie flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. Check the price and see what bedding is included in the crib. It is often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
New mums are enthralled by the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that allow them to keep an eye on baby during night feedings and changing nappy without having to get out of the bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a c-section or when recovering from other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
The best crib for you depends on your preferences and your lifestyle. In addition to the obvious safety features, think about whether you'd like to be able to lift your baby out of the crib to feed them or comfort them, and if it has any extras such as a rocking function. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to make sure that the crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
bedside cot mattress are typically more affordable than Moses baskets however don't be deceived - they're still packed with amazing features, including air-tight mesh and transparent sides, incline options for reflux and adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It's available in three colours and features stylish oak legs, so it's perfect for your bedroom. It's also easy to fold and assemble and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to allow you to touch your baby during the daytime and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience However, they will come back up at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, though one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to operate initially.
The bedding you choose to use in a bedside crib should be a good fit and should not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation risks. This is the reason that many cribs have mattresses that are fitted, but sheets that are suitable for use at most stores. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which are prone to wear and degrade over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to move from room room, or to take on vacation. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit in bags so that you can take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for new babies and parents as they let you see your baby at night without the danger of them falling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to remember that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby during the first six months - with an additional bed in the same room, to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Depending on which model you choose the crib that you choose for your bed could include features that make it more practical. For instance one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height, making it easy for you to reach into the crib and take your baby. The model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester described as giving an easy access to soothe their infant.
Some models include additional features for example, a rocking function (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are beneficial in the event that your child suffers from an illness that triggers reflux, however your baby should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
When choosing a model be aware of how easy it will be to keep clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if it has a waterproof protector to keep away leaky nappies and drips. Some cribs with a bedside have an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier for you to wash and change it.
Other things to consider are how easy it is to build and how compact when folded away. Be sure to check if the bed is easy to put together and if it comes with an included bag to carry it on the road. Take note of additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the capability to transform it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when traveling.