Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a fantastic option when you want your baby close to you for a relaxed evening feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They adhere to the the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favored by home testers due to the fact that it is adjustable to match the bed's height, and it swivels all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by during the night without risking suffocation or overheating. They can be attached to your bed, which means you can reach out to help or feed your child during the middle of night. They're also great for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. There are a lot of things to consider before investing in one.
When looking for a crib to put next to your bed, make sure that the crib you pick conforms to current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalled because they let children fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure the crib you select meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be in place in November 2020.
The new rules forbid bedside cribs from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, the majority of models have 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 the models on our list meet the new standards and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also important to ensure that the crib you're looking at is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is anchored correctly. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system, such as the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother and Baby Awards.
It's also important to remember that a crib is intended to sleep and should not be used with bedding or other accessories, like blankets, pillows toys or animals that are stuffed. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should only sleep in their crib or cot and not on an adult's bed, or any other type of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing which can increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach out to soothe your baby without getting out of bed in the middle night. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, convenient, and comfortable for your new baby and babies up until 6 months of age.
The most effective models come with slats that are wide and wide enough to allow air circulation. They also come with a door and/or window that can be rolled up or down depending on the need. This makes it simple to nurse, change your baby, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models even come with the swaddle sack, which can help you with a safe sleep routine.
You want a model that is lightweight and compact when folded, making it easy to move around the house or take away with you. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one end is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height so that it is in line with the height of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be extremely beneficial to you, especially when you recovering from a C-section.
Some models come with useful extras, like a tummy-tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses bin which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, can 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 common to purchase separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
New moms appreciate the convenience of bedside cribs that allow them to monitor their baby during night feedings and changing nappy without getting out of the bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a c-section or after recovering from other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
Choosing the best bedside crib for your child is based on your requirements and lifestyle. Consider the safety features and whether you can lift your baby from the crib to feed or soothe them. Also, make sure to check whether the crib comes with extras, like rocking features. Also, take a look at the size and height of your bed and check that any crib you select can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they still have amazing features, like breathable mesh and see through sides, an option for reflux incline and adjustable height. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you hold your baby during the day and for a safer co-sleeping environment, but then appear again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, but one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
The bedding you choose to use in a crib for bed must fit properly and must not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation dangers. Most cribs are equipped with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that are suitable for most stores. It is a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they may be worn out and become deteriorated over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room or carry during holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag, so you can easily bring them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without worrying about them falling off the bed or suffocating. But, it's important to note that official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby during the first six months with a separate bed in the same room, to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Depending on bedside cot mattress pick, bedside cribs can include features that enhance their ease of use. For instance, one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height, making it easy to reach inside and take your baby. The model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester said gave an easy access to soothe their infant.
Some models have extra features such as a rocking feature (great for fussy babies), or incline settings to help with reflux. These can be useful to use if your baby is suffering from a condition that causes reflux. However, remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When choosing a model, consider how easy it is to keep clean. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed and if there's a mattress protector that is waterproof that will shield you from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Consider whether it is easy to attach to your bed and if it comes with a bag to take it with you on your travels. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as a tummy tilt or the option of turning it into moses baskets for older babies - this is a great option for traveling.