Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close to you for the night without any fuss, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the ideal choice. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love the fact that this crib swivels 360deg for easy access. It also has an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without fear of being suffocated. They can be attached to your bed, which means you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of the night. They're also great for mothers recovering from a c section. But there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.
When shopping for a bedside crib, make sure you're looking at an item that is in line with current safety standards. bedside crib or cot were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Check that the crib you pick meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be introduced in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs can no longer have completely drop-down sides. Most cribs have "half height walls that allow your child to lay beside your bed, but provide a more protective barrier because they sink a little beneath 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 Award 2017
It's also important to ensure that the crib you're considering purchasing is able to attach securely to your bed and is anchored properly. 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 designed for sleeping and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other accessories like pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animal. Official safe sleep advice from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only sleep in their own sleep space, in their own crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib for your bed lets you keep your baby close by at night without the risk of bed-sharing, which could increase the likelihood of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach out and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and babies up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have good airflow and slats that are open and wide enough to allow air flow. You can also roll up and down the window or door as you need. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or check on them at night. Some models also include the swaddle sack, which can help you to have a secure sleep routine.
You want a model that is light and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around the house or to take with you on your travels. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. The pocket at the other end can be used to store spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress and others you need to purchase separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is specifically designed for your model and is firm, flat and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height so that it's in line with the size of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering a C-section, a bedside crib with an adjustable height gives you a better chances of getting in and out of bed with ease, especially during the early weeks of recovering.
Some models have extra features that are useful, such as tilting the tummy for reflux, or the ability to detach to transform into a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rocks or folds down to lay flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. Find out the price and what bedding is included in the crib. It is often necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great option for mothers who are new. They allow them to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without getting out of bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from C-section or any other medical issue like colic or reflux.
Choosing the best bedside crib is contingent on your preferences and your lifestyle. Aside from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be able to lift your baby out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it includes any additional features, such as the ability to rock. Examine the height and size of your bed to make sure that the crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they do have some great features, such as air-tight mesh, see-through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and has smart oak legs, so it's perfect for your bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to put together and fold and comes with a handy bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you hold your baby during the day and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience, but then appear again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, though one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
The bedding you choose to use in a crib bed must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation risks. That's why many cribs have mattresses that are fitted, but you can purchase suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they will wear out and deteriorate with time, increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room to room, or to take when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, so that you can easily take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or suffocating. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first 6 months and then have a separate mattress in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick, bedside cribs can feature features that increase their convenience. For instance one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach into the crib and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester reported gave her 'easy access' to hold their baby.
Some models come with extras like a rocking function (great for fussy babies), or incline settings to help with reflux. These may be handy to use if your baby is suffering from a condition that causes reflux, but be aware that your baby should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier for you to wash and change it.
Think about the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Be sure to check if the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with a bag included to travel with. Take note of additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the possibility of converting it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful for those who travel.