Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for an easy nighttime feeding A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the best option. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They are based on official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home testers love the fact that this crib swivels 360deg to make it easy to access and comes with an adjustable mattress to fit your bed. It is also easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close at night without risk of suffering from suffocation. They are attached to the side of your bed so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your infant in the middle of the night, and they're perfect for mothers recovering from a c-section. But there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.
When shopping for a bedside crib, make sure you're choosing a model that complies with current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalled because they allow babies to fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they could pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure the crib you are considering meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of this year.
The biggest change in the new rules is that bedside cribs may not be made with completely drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to lay next to your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier since they are a bit beneath the mattress. All of our models meet these new requirements. 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 important to ensure that the crib you're considering is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is attached correctly. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper such as the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the go 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 and should never be used with bedding or other accessories, such as pillows, blankets, toys, or animals that are stuffed. Official advice for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only sleep in their own sleeping space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without having to get out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your new baby and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models feature excellent breathability, with slats that are wide enough to let air flow. They also have an opening or window that can be rolled up or down when needed. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby and nurse them or check on 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 small and light when folded so that it is easy to transport around the house. It must also be easy to clean, with an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on one side can be useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with mattresses, while others have to buy separately. Be sure the mattress is flat, firm, and breathable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height so that it's in line with the size of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height can be extremely beneficial to you, particularly in the event that you recovering from a C Section.
Some models come with useful extras, 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, can be folded flat to store, or comes with bags. Find out bedside cot wooden and what bedding is included with the crib. It is usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
New mothers love the convenience of bedside cribs that allow them to monitor their baby during night feeds and diaper changes without getting out of bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a c-section or after recovering from other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.
Choosing the right bedside crib is contingent on your requirements and lifestyle. Be aware of safety features and whether you can lift your baby from the crib to feed them or calm them. Also, make sure to check if the crib has any additional features, like a rocking feature. Also, consider the size and the height of your bed, and ensure that the crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, however they still have amazing features, like air-tight mesh, see-through sides, reflux incline option and an adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect sleeper. It comes in three colors and features stylish oak legs, so it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also easy to put together, fold and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be lowered in the daytime to allow the baby to be held and co-sleep safely, but are raised again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, though one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use initially.
The bedding you choose to use in a bedside crib should be a good fit and should not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation hazards. This is the reason that many cribs come with an adjustable mattress, however you can find suitable sheets at most stores. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which may be worn out and degrade over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to transport from room to rooms, or to take when you go on vacation. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit into bags to allow you to take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and babies as they let you see your baby at night without the danger of them rolling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six month and then have an additional mattress in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you choose, bedside cribs may feature features that increase their ease of use. For instance one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach into the crib and pick up your little one. The model comes with a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester reported that this gave her 'easy access" to help their child.
Some models have extra features like a rocking function (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are useful for children with an illness that triggers reflux, however your baby should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a fabric take into consideration how easy it is to keep clean. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs for bedside use an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier for you to wash and change it.
Other factors to consider include the ease with which it can build and how compact it is when folded away. Be sure to check if the bed is easy to attach and if there's an included bag to travel with. Consider if the product has extras such as a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when traveling.