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 to be close for a peaceful evening feeding. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They follow official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favored among home testers because it can be adjusted to suit your bed's height and rotates a full 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of being suffocated. They attach to the side of your bed so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your infant during the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. There are a variety of factors to consider before investing in one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib, ensure you're buying one that meets current safety standards. Many older cribs have been recalled because they allow babies to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they could pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Check that the crib you pick is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be in place in November 2020.
The new rules forbid cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to lay next to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier because they sink a little below your mattress. All of the models we have listed are in compliance with these new standards. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards 2017
It's also worth checking that the crib you're considering purchasing is able to attach securely to your bed and is attached correctly. This is especially crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper, such as the free-standing Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby awards.
It's also important to keep in mind that the crib should be used only for sleeping purposes and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other accessories, such as pillows, blankets toys or animals that are stuffed. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines that state that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on an adult's bed, or any other type of soft furniture.
Comfort
A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach out to soothe your baby without getting out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies up to 6 months old.
The best models come with slats that are wide and wide enough to allow airflow. They also come with an opening or window that you can roll up or down as needed. It is easy to change your baby's diaper or nurse them, or examine their sleep at the end of the night. Some models include a swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
You'll want a mattress that is light and compact when folded making it easy to move around the house or to take with you on your travels. It must also be easy to clean, and come with a a removable and washable mattress cover. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include the mattress, while other require you to purchase a mattress separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is flat, firm and breathable. Avoid using second-hand mattresses, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to fit the bed's height. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be very beneficial for you, particularly when you recovering from a C Section.
Some models come with useful features, like an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or a detachable moses' basket that can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat for storage, or comes with a bag. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and the bedding included - it's usually necessary to purchase additional sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New moms love the convenience of bedside cribs that allow them to monitor their baby during night feeds and diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a csection or after recovering from other medical conditions, such as colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. Aside from 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 soothe them and if it includes any additional features, such as rocking functions. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally cheaper than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're still loaded with fantastic features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, incline options for reflux and adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs to make it a great fit for any bedroom. cotsfortots 's also easy to assemble and fold up, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be lower during the day, allowing you to touch your baby and co-sleep safely, but are raised again at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use at first.
Any bedding you use in a bedside crib should be a good fit and not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation risks. That's why many cribs come with an adjustable mattress, however sheets that are suitable for use at a variety of retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they will wear out and become worse with age, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room or to take along on holidays. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit in bags so that you can easily take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for new babies and parents because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the danger of them falling off your mattress or getting suffocated. However, it's important to keep in mind that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your child for the first six months - with an additional bed in the same space, to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Depending on which model you choose the bedside crib could have features that make it more practical. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted in the height to make it easier to reach and pick your child up. This model also has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester said gave an easy access to comfort their infant.
Some models come with extras such as a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy), or incline settings that help with reflux. These are useful for children with an illness that triggers reflux, however your newborn should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
When choosing a model take into consideration how easy it is to keep clean. Check whether the fabric can be washed by machine and if it has a mattress protector that is waterproof that protects you from leaky nappies, baby sick or spills. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to build and how compact it is when folded away. Check if it's simple to attach to your bed and whether it comes with a bag to take it with you on your travels. Also, think about if it comes with extras such as tilting your tummy or the possibility of turning it into a moses basket for older children - this is a great option for traveling.