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 crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the perfect choice. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They are based on official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a popular choice by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels a full 360 degrees for easy access. It is easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep your baby close throughout the night without putting them at risk of overheating or suffocating. They are attached to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your baby in the middle of the night. They're suitable for mothers who are recovering from a c-section. There are a variety of factors to consider prior to purchasing one.
When looking for an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, make sure that the crib you pick is safe and meets the current standards for safety. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Make sure the crib you pick is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which is scheduled to be in place in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Most cribs have "half height' walls, which still allow your child to sleep next to your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier because they sink a little below your mattress. All of the models we have listed conform to these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is anchored properly. This is especially crucial if you intend 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 for the Mother&Baby awards.
It's also important to remember that the crib is intended for sleeping and should never be used with bedding or accessories, such as pillows, blankets toys, or toys for stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines which state that babies should sleep only in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close by at night without the risk of bed-sharing, which could increase the risk of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach over and soothe your baby in the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies up to 6 months old.
The top models offer good airflow and slats that are wide enough to allow air flow. They also feature windows or doors that can be rolled up or down depending on the need. This makes it easy to nurse, change your baby, or check on them during the night. cot for bedside come with an swaddle bag that can help you create a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the house. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on the other side can be useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed for your specific model and is firm, flat and airy. Avoid using second-hand mattresses because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height so that it matches the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be a great help for you, particularly if you recovering from a C section.
Some models come with useful features, like an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or a detachable moses bin which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage, or comes with bags. Look at the cost and find out what bedding is included in the crib. It is usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for new mums. They allow mothers to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They also help babies settle after a c-section or in the aftermath of other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib for you depends on your preferences and your lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, consider whether you'd like to be able to get your child out of the crib to feed them or calm them, and if it has any additional features, such as a rocking function. Also, take a look at the size and the height of your bed, and check that any crib you pick can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they still have great features, such as air-tight mesh, see-through sides, reflux incline option and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs to fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble, fold and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to let you touch your baby during the day and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience, but then come back up at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, although one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to operate initially.
The bedding you put in a crib for bed must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation dangers. That's why many cribs come with a fitted mattress, but sheets that are suitable for use at most retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses, which are prone to wear and become deteriorated over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room to room or take with you on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in bags, so they are easy to take with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the bed or suffocating. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend that you only sleep with them for the first six months with an additional mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick, bedside cribs can feature features that increase their convenience. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test can swivel and is adjustable in the height to make it easier for you reach in and pick up your child. The model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester said gave an easy access to soothe their baby.
Some models include additional features like a rocking function (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These are beneficial if your child has a condition that causes reflux, but your baby should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a model, consider how easy it will be to clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector that can keep away leaky nappies and dribbles. Some cribs come with 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 is easy to attach and if there's an included bag for travel. Additionally, take note of whether it comes with extras such as tilting your tummy or the possibility of turning it into moses baskets for older children - this is a great option for traveling.