Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
bedside sleeper cot is a great choice when you want your baby close to you for a relaxed evening feeding. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favorite among home testers because it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels a full 360 degrees to make it easy to access. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close at night without risk of being suffocated. They can be attached to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child during the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from the c-section. There are a variety of factors to think about before purchasing one.
When shopping for a bedside crib, make sure you're looking at a model that complies with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were removed 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 the crib you select meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be introduced in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new rules is that bedside cribs may no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, the majority of models have half-height walls that allow your baby to sleep next to your bed but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a little lower than your mattress. All of our models 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 Award 2017
It's also important to ensure that the crib you're looking at is able to attach securely to your bed and is attached 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 important to keep in mind that a crib is only meant for sleeping, and is not meant to be used with bedding or other accessories like 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 own crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing which can increase the likelihood of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, practical and comfortable for your infant baby and babies up until 6 months old.
The most effective models come with slats that are wide and open enough to allow airflow. You can also move the window or door according to your needs. This makes it simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them or check on them during the night. Some models also come with an swaddle bag to assist you to have a secure sleep routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded making it easy to move around your home or to take with you on your travels. It must also be easy to clean, with a a removable and washable mattress cover. The pocket at the other end can be used to store spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with mattresses, while others need to purchase separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is specifically designed for your model and is supple, flat and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height that it matches the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be very beneficial to you, particularly in the event that you recovering from a C-section.
Certain models come with additional features that could be beneficial like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or the ability to detach to become a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib rocks and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth looking into the price and what bedding is included - it's usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
New moms love the convenience of bedside cribs that allow them to keep an eye on baby during night feeds and nappy changes without having to get out of the bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after c-section, or after recovering from other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and requirements. In addition to the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be able to lift your baby out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it comes with additional features like a rocking function. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, but they still have great features, such as the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, reflux incline option and a height that can be adjusted. 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 has smart oak legs, so it will fit right into 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 come with side panels that can be lowered during the day, allowing the baby to be held and co-sleep safely, but are raised again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, although one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.
The bedding you put in a crib bed must fit properly and should not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation hazards. This is the reason that many cribs come with mattresses that are fitted, but you can find suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they may be worn out and become deteriorated over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room or to take along on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags so that you can easily take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal 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 that you only sleep in a bed with your child for the first six months with an additional bed in the same space, to lower the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you choose the crib that you choose for your bed could have features that make it more practical. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted in the height so that it is easier to reach and pick up your child. The sidewall of this model which dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this provided her with have a'simple access" to soothe their child.
Some models include additional features, such as a rocking function (useful for babies who are fussy) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These are helpful if your child has an illness that can cause reflux, however, your baby should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
When choosing a model be aware of how easy it will be to clean. Check if the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector that can keep away leaky nappies and dribbles. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Think about the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Check if the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with a bag included for travel. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful for those who travel.