Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a fantastic option for parents who want their baby close by for fuss-free evening feeding. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home test subjects love that this crib swivels 360deg for easy access and features an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep your baby close at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They attach to your bed, so you can reach out to comfort or feed your child in the middle night. They're also great for mothers recovering from an c-section. There are many things to consider prior to purchasing one.
When looking for a crib to put next to your bed, ensure that the crib you pick is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled because they allow babies to fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they could pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November 2020.
The most significant change to the new regulations is that bedside cribs may not be made with completely drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to sleep on your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier because they sink a little below the 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 Award 2017
Make sure that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is correctly fixed. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, like the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the go 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 is intended for sleeping purposes and should not be used with bedding or other accessories, such as pillows, blankets, toys or toys for stuffed animals. Official safe sleep advice from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should sleep in their own sleep space, in their own crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close throughout the night, without the danger that they might be shared with another baby. This can increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach out and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and babies as young as 6 months old.
The best models have slats which are wide and wide enough to allow for air circulation. You can also roll up and down the door or window depending on your needs. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or check on their sleep at the end of the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded so that it is easy to transport around the home. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket at the other end can be used to store extra baby clothes and nappies.
Some bedside cribs come with a mattress and others you have to buy separately. Ensure that the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could 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 a C-section, a bedside crib with an adjustable height can give you a better chance of getting into and out of bed quickly particularly in the early weeks of healing.
Some models include useful features, like a tummy-tilt for reflux or a detachable moses basket which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage or comes with bags. Check the price and see what bedding is included with the crib. It is usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great option for new mums. They allow them to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes, without getting out of their bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a c-section or in the aftermath of other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and requirements. Apart from the obvious safety features, think about whether you'd like to be able to lift your child out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it comes with any extras such as a rocking function. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they still have excellent features, including the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, incline options for reflux and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs to fit into any bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to fold and assemble, and comes with a handy bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to allow you to touch your baby during the day and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience However, they will pop up again at night. bedside cots is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.
Any bedding you use in a bedside crib must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation dangers. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses as they are prone to wear and degrade over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room room or to take along during holidays. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag, so you can easily bring them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and newborns because they allow you to see your baby at night without the risk of them falling off the mattress or getting suffocated. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest that you only sleep with them for the first 6 months, with a separate mattress in the same room to decrease the risk of SIDS.
The model you choose the bedside crib could have features that make it more practical. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test can swivel and can be adjusted in the height to make it easier for you reach in and pick up your child. This model has a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this provided her with 'easy access" to soothe their child.
Some models have additional extras for example, a rocking function (useful for fussy babies) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are beneficial for children with an illness that can cause reflux, however, your infant should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a fabric be aware of how easy it is to keep clean. Make sure the fabric can be washed by machine and if it has a waterproof mattress protector, which will protect from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to assemble and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure it's easy to connect to your bed and whether it has a bag to use for travelling. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful for those who travel.