Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great option for parents who want their baby close by for fuss-free evening feeding. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a popular choice among home testers since it can be adjusted to suit your bed's height and rotates all 360 degrees for easy access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without the risk of suffering from suffocation. They attach to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your infant during the night, and they're perfect for mothers recovering from an op. But there's a lot to think about before purchasing one.
If you're shopping for a crib that is bedside, ensure you're buying a model that complies with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were recalls due to the danger of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Make sure the crib you are considering is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of 2020.
The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs will not be made with completely drop-down sides. bedside cot reviews have "half height' walls, which still allow your child to lay beside your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier as they sink below your 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 Award 2017
Make sure that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is properly secured. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, such as the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It is important to remember, too, that a crib is only intended for sleep and is not meant to be used with bedding or other accessories like toys, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animal. Official advice for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should rest in their own bed space in their crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child in close proximity at night, without the possibility that they could be shared with another baby. This can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without getting out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to the 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 let air flow. You can also move the door or window depending on your needs. This makes it easier to change your baby's diaper, nurse them or check on them throughout the night. Some models also come with an swaddle bag to assist you to have a secure sleep routine.
It should be compact and light when folded so that it is easy to carry around the house. It must also be easy to clean, and come with a a removable and washable mattress cover. The pocket at the other end can be used to store spare baby clothes and nappies.
Some bedside cribs include mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is flat, firm and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height that it matches the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be a great help to you, particularly in the event that you are recovering from a C section.
Some models have extra features that can be useful, such as a tummy tilt for reflux, or detachable to become a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib rock or folds down to lay flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. Find out the price and what bedding comes with the crib. It is usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
New mothers appreciate the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to monitor baby during feedings at night and diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition like reflux or colic.
The best crib for you depends on your requirements and your lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you'd like to be able to lift your baby out of the crib to feed them or soothe them, and if it has additional features like rocking functions. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that any crib you select can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally cheaper than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you - they're still packed with amazing features, including the breathable mesh and clear sides, as well as reflux incline options and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs to fit into 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 safer co-sleeping, but then come back up at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, but one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use at first.
You must make sure that the bedding you choose to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings, which could cause suffocation. That's why many cribs come with a fitted mattress, but you can find suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they will wear out and become worse with age, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room to room or to take along during holidays. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit in bags so that you can easily take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you observe your baby without worrying about them rolling off the mattress or suffocating. It's important to keep in mind that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby for the first six months with an additional bed in the same room, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
The model you choose, the bedside crib may have features that make it more practical. For example, one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height, making it easy for you to reach inside and take your baby. The sidewall of this model that dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this gave her gain access" to help their child.
Some models come with extras such as a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings to help with reflux. These can be useful to use if your baby is suffering from a condition that causes reflux but keep in mind that your baby must rest on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washed and if there's a mattress protector with waterproof properties that will shield you from leaky nappies, baby sick or dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet, which allows you to change it and wash it.
Think about the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Check if the bed is easy to put together and if it comes with bags included for travel. Lastly, consider if it has additional features like a tummy tilt or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older children. This is a great option for traveling.