Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for the night without any fuss A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the best option. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They follow strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home testers love the fact that this crib swivels 360deg for easy access. It also features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
bedside cots are an excellent way to keep baby close by during the night without risking overheating or suffocating. They can be attached to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child in the middle of the night. They're suitable for mothers who are recovering from the c-section. But there's a lot to think about before you invest in one.
When shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're choosing a model that complies with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalled because they let children fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they can pose a danger of strangulation and entrapment. Check that the crib you pick meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be in place in November 2020.
The new rules forbid bedside cribs from having sides that completely drop down. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to lie beside your bed, but provide a more protective barrier because they sink a little below the mattress. All of the models we have listed conform to these new requirements and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Verify that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is securely secured. This is particularly 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 a crib should only be used for sleeping and should never be used with any bedding or other accessories, like blankets, pillows, toys or toys for stuffed animals. Official safe sleep advice from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only rest in their own bed space, in their own crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or any other type of mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing which can increase the likelihood 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 good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical, and comfortable for your infant baby and babies until 6 months of age.
The best models feature excellent breathability and slats that are wide enough and open enough to allow air flow. You can also roll up and down the window or door as you need. This makes it simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on them during the night. Some models also include an swaddle bag to assist you to have a secure sleep routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded so it's easy to move around your home or take away with you. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. The pocket at one end can be used to store spare baby clothes and nappies.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress, while others need to purchase separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed for your specific model and is supple, flat and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height so that it is in line with the height of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib with an adjustable height can give you a better chance of getting into and out of bed easily particularly in the early days of recovering.
Certain models come with useful features, like a tummy-tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses' basket which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage or comes with bags. Check the price and see what bedding comes with the crib. It is common to purchase separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
New mums 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 the bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from a C-section or any other medical issue like reflux or colic.
Choosing the right bedside crib is contingent on your requirements and lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be capable of lifting your child from the crib to feed them or calm them and if it comes with any extras such as the ability to rock. Also, take a look at the dimensions and the height of your bed, and check that any crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they do have some great features, such as air-tight mesh, see-through sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with elegant oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to fold and assemble and comes with a handy bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered during the day, allowing the baby to be held and co-sleep safely, but are raised again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, though one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use initially.
The bedding you choose to use in a crib for bed should be a good fit and should not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation hazards. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they are likely to wear out and deteriorate with time, increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or carry on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag so that you can easily transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and babies because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the danger of them falling off your mattress or getting suffocated. But, it's important to remember that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby during the first six months with an additional bed in the same room to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick, the bedside crib may have features that make it more practical. For example, one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height, making it easy to reach into the crib and pick up your little one. The sidewall of this model that slopes down. One MFM home tester reported that this allowed her to gain access" to soothe their child.
Some models include additional features for example, a rocking feature (useful for babies who are fussy) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These are helpful if your child has an illness that triggers reflux, however your newborn should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Think about how easy it is be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washed and if it comes with a waterproof mattress protector that protects you from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change it.
Other features to consider include the ease with which it can build and how compact when folded away. Consider whether it is easy to attach to your bed and whether it has a bag to use to take it with you on your travels. Take note of 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 useful when travelling.