Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great option when you want your baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a popular choice among home testers since it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels to 360 degrees for easy access. It folds up easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without risk of being suffocated. They can be attached to your bed so that you can reach out to soothe or feed your child in the middle night. They are also ideal for mums recovering after having a c-section. There are many things to think about before purchasing one.
If you're choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, make sure that the crib you select meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled because they let children fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure the crib you choose meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be in place in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new rules is that bedside cribs may not have drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to sleep beside your bed, but provide a more protective barrier since they are a bit below the 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 Award 2017
It's also worth checking that the crib you're considering is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is secured correctly. This is especially crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping 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 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 animals that are stuffed. The official safe sleep guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should rest in their own bed space, in their own crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close by at night without the risk of bed-sharing which can increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models have slats which are wide and open enough to allow air flow. You can also move the door or window according to your needs. This makes it easier to change your baby's diaper, nurse them or check on them throughout the night. Some models include a swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light in its fold so that it is easy to carry around the home. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one end can be useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include a mattress, while others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height that it is in line with the height of your bed. Especially 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 easily, especially during the early weeks when you're still recovering.
Some models come with useful extras, such as an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or a detachable moses basket that can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Other things to consider are 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 the bedding included. It's not uncommon to purchase additional sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
New moms appreciate the convenience of bedside cribs that let them monitor baby during feedings at night and diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from a c-section or other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and needs. In addition to the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be able to get your child from the crib to feed them or comfort them, and if it has any extras such as rocking functions. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that the crib you choose will fit comfortably.
www.cots4tots.co.uk are more affordable than Moses Baskets, however they do have some excellent features, including air-tight mesh, see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and has smart oak legs, so it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs have side panels that can be lower during the day, allowing the baby to be held and co-sleep safely however, they are 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 at first.
Any bedding you use in a bedside crib should be a good fit and should not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation risks. Most cribs are equipped with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that fit in most retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses, which can be worn down and degrade over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room or carry when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, so that you can easily take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for new babies and parents because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the danger of them falling off the mattress or getting suffocated. However, it's important to keep in mind that the official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby for the first six months - with an additional bed in the same room, to lower the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you select, bedside cribs could have features that add to their ease of use. For example one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach in and pick up your child. The model also has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester reported gave an easy access to soothe their baby.
Some models have additional extras, such as the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are useful to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux, but be aware that your baby should sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a model be aware of how easy it is to clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and has a waterproof protector to keep away leaky nappies and dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet, which makes it easier for you to wash and change it.
Other things to consider are the ease with which it can assemble and how compact when folded away. Make sure it's easy to connect to your bed and if it comes with a bag for travelling. Lastly, consider if it has additional features like tilting your tummy or the option of turning it into moses baskets for older children - this can be useful for travelling.