Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great choice for parents who want their baby to be close for a peaceful nighttime feeding. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love that this crib swivels 360deg for easy access. It also has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close during the night without the risk of being suffocated. They can be attached to the side of your bed, so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your child during the night, and they're suitable for mothers who are recovering from the c-section. There are a variety of factors to consider before investing in one.
When you're looking for a bedside crib, make sure you're choosing an item that is in line with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled due to the fact that they let children fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation and entrapment. Check that the crib you select is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which will be launched in November 2020.
The new rules forbid bedside cribs from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, most models feature 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 models on our list 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 Awards 2017.
Check that the crib is securely affixed to your bed and that it is properly anchored. This is especially important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper such as the free-standing 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 in conjunction with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets, toys or stuffed animals. The official safe sleep guidelines from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should sleep in their own sleeping space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close by at night without the threat of bed-sharing, which can increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach out to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have slats that are wide and open enough to allow airflow. They also come with windows or doors that can be folded up or down depending on the need. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby and nurse them or monitor their sleep at the end of the night. Some models also include a swaddle sack to help you with a safe sleep routine.
You 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, and come with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. The pocket at the other end can be used to store extra nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress, while others must purchase separately. Be sure the mattress is flat, firm, and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to fit the height of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be very beneficial to you, particularly if you recovering from a C section.
Certain models come with additional features that can be useful, such as tilting the tummy for reflux, or detachable to transform into a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib is rocking and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. Look at the cost and find out what bedding comes with the crib. It is usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
New mums love the convenience of bedside cribs that let them keep an eye on baby during night feeds and nappy changes without having to get out of bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from a c-section or other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Aside from the obvious safety features, consider whether you'd like to be capable of lifting your baby out of the crib to feed them or soothe them, and if it has any extras such as the ability to rock. Check the height and size of your bed to make sure that the crib you pick can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they still have excellent features, including breathable mesh and see through sides, reflux incline option and adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with elegant oak legs that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble, fold and comes with a handy bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you touch your baby during the day and for safer co-sleeping however, they pop up again at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.
You must make sure that the bedding used for a crib next to a bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings that could lead to an air suffocation. This is the reason that many cribs come with an adjustable mattress, however sheets that are suitable for use at most retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can become worn out and become worse with age, increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room to room or carry on holidays. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag, so you can easily bring them with you on short trips.
4-in-1 bedside crib let you look at your baby without having to worry about them falling off the mattress or suffocating. But, it's important to keep in mind that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your baby for the first six months with an additional bed in the same space, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
The model you choose the bedside crib could include features that make it more comfortable. For instance one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach into the crib and pick up your little one. The model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester said gave her 'easy access' to hold their baby.
Certain models include extra features such as a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux. However, remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Check whether the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a mattress protector with waterproof properties that will shield you from leaky nappies, baby sick or dribbles. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other factors to consider include the ease with which it can put together and how compact when folded away. Make sure it's easy to attach to your bed, and if it has a bag to use for travelling. Also, think about if it comes with extras such as tilting your tummy or the possibility of turning it into a moses basket for older children. This is a great option for traveling.