Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great option when you want your baby to be close for a peaceful nighttime feeding. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They follow strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favored among home testers because it is adjustable to match the bed's height, and it swivels a full 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep baby close by at night without the risk of suffocation or overheating. They can be attached to your bed, so you can reach out to comfort or feed your child during the middle of the night. They're also great for mothers recovering from having a c-section. There's plenty to think about before you invest in one.
If you're shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're looking at a model that complies with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Make sure the crib you are considering is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to sleep beside your bed, but offer a more secure protection since they are a bit beneath the mattress. All of the models we have listed meet the 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.
Make sure that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is properly fixed. This is particularly important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system like the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother and Baby Awards.
It's also important to remember that the crib should be used only to sleep and should not be used with bedding or accessories, like blankets, pillows toys or toys for stuffed animals. Official advice for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only rest in their own bed space, in their own crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other type of mattress or soft furnishings.
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 likelihood of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, convenient, and comfortable for your newborn baby and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models come with slats that are wide and wide enough to allow for air circulation. You can also move the door or window according to your needs. This makes it easy to nurse, change your baby or check on them throughout the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
It should be small and light when folded, so that it is easy to carry around the house. It is also easy to clean, with an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on the other side is handy to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include a mattress, while others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is flat, firm, and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height to ensure that it is in line with the height of your bed. Particularly if Cots 4 Tots recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib with an adjustable height gives you a greater chance of getting into and out of bed quickly, especially during the early weeks when you're still recovering.
Certain models have additional features that can be useful, such as tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detach to transform into a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, 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 often necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for mothers who are new. They allow mothers to monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of their bed. They also help babies settle after a c-section or after recovering from other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and requirements. In addition to the obvious safety features, think about whether you'd like to be able to get your baby out of the crib to feed them or calm them, and if it has any extras such as rocking functions. Also, look at the dimensions and the height of your bed, and ensure that the crib you select can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they do have some amazing features, like the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and comes with stylish oak legs, which means it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also easy to fold and assemble and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be removed in the daytime to allow you to hold your baby and sleep in a safe manner however, they are raised at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, but one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use at first.
Any bedding you use in a crib for bed must be fitted properly and must not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation hazards. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses as they may be worn out and degrade over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to move from room rooms, or to take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags so that you can take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or suffocating. But, it's important to note that official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby during the first six months - with a separate bed in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you select, bedside cribs could include features that enhance their ease of use. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted in height to make it easier to reach and pick your child up. This model has a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester said that this allowed her to gain access" to comfort their child.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking function (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings that help with reflux. These may be handy to use if your baby is suffering from a condition that causes reflux but keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
Think about how easy it is be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be washed by machine and if it has a waterproof mattress protector, which will protect from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Think about the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Consider whether it is simple to attach to your bed and whether it comes with a bag for travelling. Also, think about if it has extras like a tummy tilt or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older babies - this can be useful for travelling.