Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for an easy nighttime feeding, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the ideal choice. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favored among home testers because it can be adjusted to fit your bed's height and rotates to 360 degrees for easy access. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep baby close by throughout the night without putting them at risk of overheating or suffocating. They attach to your bed, so you can reach out to soothe or feed your child in the middle night. They're also great for mums recovering after an c-section. There are many things to consider before investing in one.
If you're shopping for a crib that is bedside, ensure you're buying a model that complies with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were recalled because they allow babies to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they could pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit bedside cribs from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, the majority of models have 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lie next to your bed but offer a more secure barrier by sinking a little lower than the mattress. All of the models we have listed 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 purchasing is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is attached properly. This is especially important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleep 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 also important to remember that the crib should be used only for sleeping purposes and should not be used with any bedding or accessories like blankets, pillows toys, or toys for stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should 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 safe throughout the night, without the danger that they might be shared with another baby. This can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without having to get out of bed during the middle of the night. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, convenient and comfortable for your newborn baby and infants up to 6 months of age.
The most effective models have slats which are wide and spacious enough to allow for airflow. They also come with windows or doors that you can roll up or down when needed. This makes it simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be small and light in its fold so that it is easy to transport around the house. It must also be easy to clean, and come with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on one end is handy for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with a mattress and others you must purchase separately. Be sure the mattress is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height so that it's in line with the size of your own bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be very beneficial to you, especially when you are recovering from a C section.
Certain models have additional features that are useful like a tummy tilt for reflux, or detachable to transform into a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib rock and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. Find out the price and what bedding is included with the crib. It is often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic option for mothers who are new. They allow them to monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes without getting out of their bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from a C-section or other medical condition such as colic or reflux.
bedside baby sleeper depends on your lifestyle and needs. Consider the safety features and whether you will be able lift your baby from the crib to feed them or calm them. Also, check whether the crib is equipped with extras, such as rocking capabilities. Also, take a look at the dimensions and the height of your bed and make sure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.
bedside baby sleeper are generally cheaper than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you - they're still packed with amazing features, including breathable mesh and see-through sides, as well as reflux incline options and an adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which combines style with practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and comes with stylish oak legs, so it's perfect for your bedroom. It's also easy to assemble, fold and comes with a convenient bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be lowered during the day to allow you to hold your baby and sleep in a safe manner and then raised at the night. This feature 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.
It is essential to ensure that the bedding you choose for a crib next to a bedside is fitted properly. There should be no gaps or other openings which could cause an air suffocation. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses as they can be worn down and degrade over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to transport from room to room, or to take on trips on. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit in the carry bag, so that you can take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to see your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or suffocating. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six months with an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.
The model you choose the bedside crib could come with features that make it more practical. For example one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach in and pick up your little one. This model has a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this provided her with gain access" to help their child.
Some models have additional extras, such as the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or incline settings to help with reflux. These may be handy to use if your baby is suffering from an illness that causes reflux. However, keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it is be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable and comes with a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Consider whether it is easy to attach to your bed and whether it comes with a bag to take it with you on your travels. Lastly, consider if it has additional features like a tummy tilt or the option of turning it into moses baskets for older babies - this is a great option for traveling.