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 to be close for a peaceful nighttime feeding. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love the fact that this crib swivels 360deg to make it easy to access and has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It is also easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep baby close by throughout the night without putting them at risk of overheating or suffocating. They can be attached to the side of your bed so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your infant in the middle of the night, and they're perfect for mothers recovering from the c-section. However, there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.
If you are searching for an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, make sure that the crib you pick is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled because they permit children to fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Check that your chosen model meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, many models come with half-height walls, which still allow your baby to sleep close to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a little lower than your mattress. All of the models on our list comply with these new requirements, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 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 sleeper that is a sidecar, such as the free-standing 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 keep in mind that the crib should be used only for sleeping purposes and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories, like blankets, pillows toys or toys for stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep advice that states that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close by at night without the threat of bed-sharing which can increase the likelihood of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without needing 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 infant baby and infants up to 6 months of age.
The top models offer excellent breathability and slats that are open and wide enough to let air flow. You can also roll up and down the door or window as you need. This makes it simple to change your baby's diapers, nurse him or check on them during the night. Some models include a swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
It should be small and light in its fold so that it is easy to transport around the home. It must also be easy to clean, with the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. A pocket on one side can be useful to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with mattresses, while others have to buy separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed specifically for your model and is flat, firm and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to the height of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be a great help for you, particularly in the event that you are recovering from a C section.
Certain models come with additional features that are useful for parents, like tilting the tummy for reflux, or detach to make a moses' basket, and later a toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat to store, or comes with bags. Look at the cost and find out what bedding is included in the crib. It is often necessary to purchase 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 feedings and diaper changes without having to get out of the bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a csection or when recovering from other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
The best crib for your child is based on your preferences and lifestyle. Apart from Cots For Tots , you should consider whether you want to be able to lift your child out of the crib to feed them or calm them and if it includes any additional features, such as the ability to rock. Also, consider the dimensions and the height of your bed and make sure that the crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be more affordable than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're packed with great features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, reflux incline options and an 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 has smart oak legs, so it will fit right into your bedroom. Plus, it's easy to put together and fold, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be lowered during the day, allowing the baby to be held and co-sleep safely, but are raised again at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
The bedding you put in a crib bed must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation dangers. This is why a lot of cribs come with mattresses that are fitted, but sheets that are suitable for use at most retailers. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they are prone to wear and deteriorate over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or carry on holidays. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag, so you can easily bring them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal 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 months with a separate mattress in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
The model you pick, the bedside crib may include features that make it more practical. For instance, one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height, making it easy to reach inside and pick up your little one. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which an MFM home tester described as giving an easy access to soothe their infant.
Certain models come with additional features, such as a rocking function (useful for babies who are fussy) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby suffers from a condition that causes reflux. However, keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a fabric, consider how easy it is to keep clean. Check if the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include the ease with which it can assemble and how compact when folded away. Check if it's easy to attach to your bed and if it has a bag to use to take it with you on your travels. Take note of additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the ability to convert it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be useful for those who travel.