Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great choice for parents who want their baby close by for fuss-free nighttime feeding. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They adhere to the strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favorite among home testers because it can be adjusted to suit the bed's height, and it swivels to 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without the risk of suffering from suffocation. They attach to the sides of your bed so that you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your infant in the middle of the night, and they're suitable for mothers who are recovering from a c-section. However, there's a lot to think about before you invest in one.
When shopping for a bedside crib make sure you're looking at one that meets current safety standards. Many older cribs were removed due to the risk of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Make sure the crib you are considering meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced 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, many models come with half-height walls that allow your baby to lie next to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier by sinking slightly lower than your mattress. All of our models are in compliance with these new standards. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards 2017
It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering is able to attach securely to your bed and is attached correctly. This is especially crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system like the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards.
It is crucial to remember that a crib is only meant for sleeping, and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories such as toys, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines which state that babies should sleep only in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type or soft furniture.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child safe at night, without the danger that they might be shared with other babies. This could increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and soothe your baby during the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your new baby and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models have slats which are wide and wide enough to allow air circulation. They also have a door and/or window that can be folded up or down when needed. This makes it easy to nurse, change your baby, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models also include the swaddle sack, which can help you sleep in a safe routine.
You'll want a mattress that is light and compact when folded so it's easy to move around the house or transport to your destination. It should also be easy to clean, with a removable and washable mattress cover. twin bedside cot on one side can be used to store spare baby clothes and nappies.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress, while others need to purchase separately. Make sure the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is flat, firm and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to match the bed's height. Especially if you're recovering from C-section surgery A bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a better chance of getting into and out of bed with ease, especially during the early weeks when you're still recovering.
Some models have extra features that could be beneficial, such as tilting the tummy for reflux, or detach to make a moses' basket and later toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat to store, or comes with bags. Check the price and see what bedding is included in the crib. It is often necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
New mums appreciate the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to monitor their baby during night feedings and nappy changes without getting out of the bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from c-section or other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib is contingent on your requirements and your lifestyle. Be aware of safety features and whether you are able to remove your baby from the crib to feed or calm them. Also, consider whether the crib is equipped with extras, such as a rocking feature. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, but they do have some excellent features, including breathable mesh and see through sides, an option for reflux incline and a height that can be adjusted. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs that make it a great fit for any bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold, and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be removed during the day, allowing you to touch your baby and sleep in a safe manner and then raised at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, though one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use at first.
You must make sure that the bedding you choose to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other openings, that could lead to an air suffocation. bedside travel cot are fitted with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that are suitable for most stores. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they will wear out and degrade with time increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room to room or take with you on holidays. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit in a carry bag, so you can easily take them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without having to worry about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. However, it's important to keep in mind that the official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your child for the first six months - with a separate bed in the same space, to lower the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you select, bedside cribs could have features that add to their convenience. For instance, one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach into the crib and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester said gave an easy access to comfort their baby.
Some models have extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings that help with reflux. These are useful in the event that your child suffers from a condition which can cause reflux, however, your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Check whether the fabric can be machine washed and if it has a mattress protector with waterproof properties that protects you from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Consider the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Check if the bed is easy to put together and if it comes with an included bag to travel with. Consider if the product has extras such as a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful for those who travel.