Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for the night without any fuss, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the ideal choice. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. bedside baby bed are based on strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favored among home testers because it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It folds up easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep your baby close during the night without risking suffocation or overheating. They attach to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your child during the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. There are a lot of things to think about before purchasing one.
When choosing a crib to place beside your bed, ensure that the crib you select conforms to current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Make sure that the crib you choose 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 may not be made with completely drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to lie next to your bed, but also offer a more secure protection since they are a bit below your mattress. All of the models on our list conform to these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Make sure that the crib is securely affixed to your bed and that it is securely secured. This is especially important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper such as the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It's important to keep in mind that a crib is only intended for sleep and is not meant to be used with bedding or other accessories like pillows, blankets, toys 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 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 could increase the likelihood of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies up until 6 months of age.
The best models have slats which are wide and spacious enough to allow for air circulation. They also have windows or doors that you can roll up or down as needed. This makes it easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on them throughout the night. Some models also come with the swaddle sack, which can help you sleep in a safe routine.
It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to carry around the home. It is also easy to clean, with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. A pocket on one end can be useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed for your specific model and is supple, flat and airy. Avoid using second-hand mattresses because they can 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 a great help to you, particularly when you are recovering from a C Section.
Certain models have additional features that are useful like a tummy tilt for reflux, or the ability to detach to become a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat for storage or comes with bags. Look at the cost and find out what bedding comes with the crib. It is common to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic option for mothers who are new. They allow mothers to monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from a C-section or any other medical issue such as colic or reflux.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and preferences. Consider the safety features and whether you will be able take your baby out of the crib in order to feed or soothe them. Also, check whether the crib is equipped with additional features, like a rocking feature. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that any crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they still have great features, such as air-tight mesh, see-through sides, reflux incline option and a height that can be adjusted. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with stylish oak legs to fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to allow you to touch your baby during the day, and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience However, they will come back up 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 ensure that the bedding you choose for a crib next to a bed is properly fitted. There should not be gaps or other openings, which could lead to the suffocation. This is why a lot of cribs have mattresses that are fitted, but sheets that are suitable for use at most stores. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they can be worn down and degrade over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room space, or take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in bags, so you can easily take them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and babies because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the risk of them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to note that official safe sleep guidance 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 room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model you select, bedside cribs could feature features that increase their ease of use. For example, one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height, making it easy for you to reach in and pick up your little one. This model also has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester described as giving an easy access to soothe their infant.
Some models come with extras like a rocking function (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings to help with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby suffers from a condition that causes reflux but remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy bedside baby sleeper is to clean the model. Check if the fabric is machine washable and comes with a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to put together and how compact it is when folded away. Consider whether it is easy to attach to your bed and whether it has a bag to use for travelling. Check if baby bedside cot comes with additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the ability to convert it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when traveling.