Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for fuss-free feeding at night, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the best option. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favorite among home testers because it can be adjusted to fit the bed's height, and it swivels to 360 degrees for easy access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep your baby close throughout the night without putting them at risk of suffocation or overheating. They can be attached to your bed, which means you can reach out and comfort or feed your child in the middle night. They're also great for mothers who are recovering from a c section. But there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.
When you're looking for a bedside crib make sure you're looking at a model that complies with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Be sure that the crib you select is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be launched in November 2020.
The biggest change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs will not have drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to lie next to your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier because they sink a little below the mattress. All of the models in our list comply with these new requirements, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Verify that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is correctly secured. This is especially crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper, like the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby awards.
It's also important to remember that a crib is intended to sleep and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other accessories, like pillows, blankets toys or stuffed animals. The official safe sleep guidelines from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only sleep in their own sleeping space, in their own crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any other type of mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close by at night without the risk of bed-sharing, which can increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, convenient and comfortable for your new baby and infants up to 6 months old.
The top models offer good breathability and slats that are wide enough to allow airflow. They also come with an opening or window that you can roll up or down as needed. It is easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or monitor them at night. Some models also include a swaddle sack to help you sleep in a safe routine.
You want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded so it's easy to move around your home or take away with you. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. bedside crib to cot at the other end can be used to store spare diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress, while others must purchase separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed for your specific model and is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to fit the height of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be extremely beneficial to you, particularly when you recovering from a C section.
Certain models have additional features that could be beneficial like tilting the tummy for reflux, or the ability to detach to transform into a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. 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 looking into the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's often necessary to purchase separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They let them monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without having to get out of the bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a csection or in the aftermath of other medical conditions, such as colic or reflux.
The best crib for you depends on your preferences and lifestyle. Take into consideration the safety features and if you are able to lift your baby from the crib in order to feed or soothe them. Also, make sure to check whether the crib is equipped with extras, like rocking capabilities. Also, look at the size and the height of your bed and check that any crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, however they still have amazing features, like breathable mesh and see through sides, reflux incline option and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and features stylish oak legs, so it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also easy to fold and assemble, and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be removed during the day to allow 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, comes with this feature, although one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.
The bedding you put in a crib for bed must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation risks. A majority of cribs come with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that are suitable for most stores. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they are likely to wear out and deteriorate with time increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or to take along during 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 are great for new babies and parents because they allow you to see your baby at night without the danger of them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. However, it's important to note that official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby during the first six months - with an additional bed in the same space, to lower the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick, bedside cribs can include features that enhance their convenience. For example one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach in and pick up your little one. The sidewall of this model that dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this allowed her to have a'simple access" to comfort their child.
Certain models include extra features such as a rocking feature (great for fussy babies) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are useful for children with a condition which causes reflux, but your newborn should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
When choosing a model take into consideration how easy it will be 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 dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier for you to change it and wash it.
Other factors to consider include the ease with which it can put together and how compact it is when folded away. Be sure to check if the bed is simple to attach and if there's an included bag to travel with. Also, think about if it has additional features like tilting your tummy or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older children - this is a great option for traveling.