Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a fantastic option when you want your 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 test subjects love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access. It also features an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It folds up easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep your baby close throughout the night without putting them at risk of suffocation or overheating. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach out and help or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from having a c-section. But there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.
If you're choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, be sure that the model you choose conforms to current safety standards. Many older cribs were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Check that your chosen model meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of this year.
The new rules prohibit bedside cribs from having sides that completely drop down. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to lay on your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier as they sink below the mattress. All of the models we have listed conform to these new requirements and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Verify that the crib is securely affixed to your bed, and that it is securely fixed. This is particularly important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system, such as the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards.
It is important to remember that a crib is only intended for sleep and should not be used with bedding or other items like toys, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should only sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child close throughout the night, without the possibility that they could be shared with other babies. This could increase the risk of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach over and soothe your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have good airflow with slats wide enough to allow airflow. You can also roll up and down the window or door as you need. It is easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or monitor them at the end of the night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
You'll want a mattress that is light and compact when folded making it easy to move around the house or take away with you. It must also be easy to clean, with a a removable and washable mattress cover. A pocket on one end can be useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with a mattress, while others need to purchase separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed specifically for your model and is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it's in line with the size of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-section surgery, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a better chances of getting in and out of bed with ease, especially during the early weeks when you're still recovering.
Certain models come with additional features that could be beneficial, such as tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or the ability to detach to transform into a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib rocks, folds down to lie flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth checking the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's often necessary to purchase additional sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for new mums. They let them monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from a C-section or other medical condition like reflux or colic.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and requirements. Take into consideration the safety features and whether you are able to take your baby out of the crib to feed or calm them. Also, check if the crib has any extras, such as rocking capabilities. Also, look at the dimensions and height of your bed and check that any crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, but they do have some amazing features, like the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, reflux incline option and an adjustable height. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs to make it a great fit for any bedroom. bedside travel cot 's also easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be removed in the daytime to allow you to hold your baby and sleep safely however, they are raised at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use for the first time.
You should ensure that the bedding you choose to make a crib bedside is fitted properly. There should not be gaps or other openings which could lead to suffocation. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they will wear out and become worse with age increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room rooms, or to take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in bags so that you can easily take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and newborns because they allow you to see your baby at night without the danger of them falling off your mattress or getting suffocated. It's important to remember that the 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 space, to lower the chance of SIDS.
Depending on which model you pick the bedside crib could include features that make it more practical. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test swivels, and is adjustable in the height to make it easier for you reach in and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to soothe their infant.
Some models come with extras like a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings that help with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby suffers from a condition that causes reflux but keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Make sure 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.
Consider the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Check if it's easy to connect to your bed and if it comes with a bag for travel. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as a tummy tilt or the possibility of turning it into a moses basket for older children - this can be useful for travelling.