Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great choice when you want your baby to be close for a peaceful nighttime feeding. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favored among home testers because it can be adjusted to fit 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 let you keep your baby close at night without fear of suffocation. They attach to your bed so that you can reach out to soothe or feed your child in the middle night. They're also great for mothers who are recovering from a c section. However, there's a lot to think about before you invest in one.
When you're looking for a bedside crib, make sure you're choosing one that 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 and the sides as well as the crib. Make sure the crib you choose is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which will be introduced in November 2020.
The new rules forbid bedside cribs from having sides that completely fall down. Most cribs have "half height walls that allow your child to lie next to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier since they are a bit below the mattress. All models on our list 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.
Make sure that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is correctly anchored. This is especially important if you intend 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&Baby Awards.
It is important to keep in mind that a crib is meant for sleeping, and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other accessories like blankets, toys, pillows, or stuffed animal. Official advice for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only sleep in their own sleep space, in their own crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any other type of mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close at night without the threat of bed-sharing, which could increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and soothe your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models come with slats that are wide and open enough to allow for airflow. You can also roll up and down the door or window according to your needs. This makes it easier to change your baby's diaper, nurse them or check on them during the night. Some models include a swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
You 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. bedside cot used should be able to be removed and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on the other side is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, while others must purchase separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it's in line with the size of your own bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be very beneficial to you, especially in the event that you are recovering from a C-section.
Certain models come with useful features, like an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or a detachable moses' basket which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib rocks or folds down to lay flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth checking how much the model costs and the bedding included - it's often necessary to purchase additional sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They let them monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without getting out of their bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a csection or when recovering from other medical conditions, such as colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib is contingent on your requirements and your lifestyle. Consider the safety features and whether you are able to remove your baby from the crib in order to feed or soothe them. Also, consider whether the crib comes with extras, like rocking features. Also, look at the size and the height of your bed and check that any crib you pick can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they have amazing features, like air-tight mesh, see-through sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to create the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. Plus, it's easy to fold and assemble and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you hold your baby during the day, and for a safer co-sleeping environment however, they appear again at the 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 for the first time.
You must make sure that the bedding used for a crib next to a bedside is fitted properly. There should be no gaps or other gaps, which could cause an air suffocation. This is why a lot of cribs come with mattresses that are fitted, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most retailers. It is a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they can be worn down and become deteriorated over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room to room or carry on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning they are easy to take with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to look at your baby without having to worry about them falling off the bed or suffocating. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend that you only sleep with them for the first six month with a separate mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you select, bedside cribs could feature features that increase their ease of use. For example one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height, making it easy for you to reach inside and pick up your child. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this gave her 'easy access" to help their child.
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 may be handy to have if your baby has a condition that causes reflux. However, be aware that your baby should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washed and if it has a waterproof mattress protector that will shield you from leaky nappies, infant sick or spills. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Think about the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Be sure to check if the bed is simple to attach and if there's bags included to carry it on the road. Consider if the product has extras such as a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful for those who travel.