Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great choice when you want your baby close by for fuss-free evening feeding. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love that this crib rotates 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.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close to you at night without fear of suffocation. They can be attached to your bed so that you can reach out to help or feed your child in the middle night. They are also ideal for mums recovering after a c section. However, there's a lot to think about before purchasing one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib ensure you're buying one that meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled due to the fact that they allow babies to fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Be sure that the crib you pick is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which is scheduled to be in place in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs will not be made with completely drop-down sides. Instead, the majority of models have 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lie next to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier by sinking slightly lower than your mattress. All of the models we have listed meet these new requirements. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Check 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 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 the crib is intended to sleep and should not be used with bedding or accessories, such as pillows, blankets, toys or animals that are stuffed. The official safe sleep guidelines 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 mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child safe at night, without the risk that they may be shared with another baby. This can increase the risk of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies as young as 6 months old.
The best models have slats which are wide and spacious enough to allow for airflow. bedside co sleeper can also move the window or door depending on your needs. It is simple to change your baby's diaper or nurse them, or monitor them at the end of the night. Some models even come with the swaddle sack, which can help you sleep in a safe routine.
It should be small and light when folded, so that it is easy to carry around the home. It must also be easy to clean, and come with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on the other side is useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with a mattress and others you need to purchase separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed for your specific model and is supple, flat and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it is in line with the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering C-sections, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a greater chance of getting into and out of bed with ease especially in the initial weeks when you're still healing.
Some models include useful extras, such as an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Other things to consider are whether the crib rock and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. Look at the cost and find out what bedding comes with the crib. It is usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great option for new mums. They let them monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of the bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition such as colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib for your child is based on your preferences and your lifestyle. Consider the safety features and whether you can remove your baby from the crib to feed or calm them. Also, check if the crib has any additional features, like a rocking feature. Also, take a look at the dimensions and height of your bed and ensure that the crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically cheaper than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're still loaded with amazing features, including air-tight mesh and transparent sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. 4-in-1 bedside crib in three different colors with stylish oak legs that fit into any bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be removed in the daytime 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, but one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to operate initially.
You should make sure that the bedding used for a crib next to a bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings which could lead to the suffocation. Most cribs are equipped with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that fit in most retailers. It's 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 more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or carry when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag, so you can easily take them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or suffocating. It's important to keep in mind 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 reduce the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick the crib that you choose for your bed could include features that make it more convenient. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test swivels, and is adjustable in the height so that it is easier to reach and pick your child up. The model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which an MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to comfort their infant.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking feature (great for fussy babies), or incline settings to help with reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby suffers from a condition that causes reflux, but be aware that your baby should rest on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and has a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Consider the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Make sure the bed is easy to put together and if it comes with an included bag to carry it on the road. Take note of extras such as a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when travelling.