Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for fuss-free feeding at night, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the perfect choice. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access. It also has an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by throughout the night without putting them at risk of overheating or suffocating. They attach to the side of your bed so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child in the middle of the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from an op. But there's a lot to think about before purchasing one.
If you're choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, be sure that the crib you select is safe and meets the current standards for safety. 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. Check that the crib you pick is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be launched in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Most cribs have "half height' walls, which still allow your child to sleep beside your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier since they are a bit below your mattress. All of the models in our list conform to these new requirements and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Make sure that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is properly anchored. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper, like 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 a crib should be used only for sleeping and should never be used with bedding or accessories like blankets, pillows toys, or toys for stuffed animals. Official safe sleep advice 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 any other type of mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close at night, without the risk that they may be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach out to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed in the middle night. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and infants up to 6 months old.
The top models offer good airflow with slats open and wide enough to allow airflow. They also have an opening or window that you can roll up or down as needed. It is easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on them at night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
You want a model that is light and compact when folded making it easy to move around the house or transport to your destination. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on one end is handy for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, while others need to purchase separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is flat, firm and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to the height of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be very beneficial to you, particularly when you recovering from a C-section.
Certain models come with additional features that can be useful for parents, like tilting the tummy for reflux, or detach to make a moses' basket and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rock or folds down to lay flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth checking the price and what bedding is included - it's usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow them to monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without getting out of their bed. They also help babies settle after a csection or when recovering from other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib for you depends on your preferences and your lifestyle. Aside from the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be able to lift your child out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it comes with any extras such as rocking functions. Also, consider the size and height of your bed and check that any crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically cheaper than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're packed with amazing features, including air-tight mesh and transparent sides, incline options for reflux and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. baby bedside sleeper comes in three colors and features stylish oak legs, so it will fit right into your bedroom. Plus, it's easy to fold and assemble, and comes with a handy bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lower during the day, allowing the baby to be held and sleep in a safe manner however, they are raised at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home testers had difficulty getting it to use at first.
Any bedding you use in a bedside crib must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation dangers. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However sheets are available that will fit in the majority of retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can become worn out and degrade with time and increase the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to transport from room to room, or to take when you go on trips on. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, so that you can take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and babies as they let you see your baby at night without the fear of them rolling off your mattress or getting suffocated. But, it's important to remember that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your child 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 have features that add to their ease of use. For instance one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height so it's easy to reach inside and pick up your little one. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester described as giving her "easy access" to comfort their infant.
Some models have additional extras like the ability to rock (useful for fussy babies) or incline settings to help with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux but remember that your newborn should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Check if the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a waterproof protector to keep away leaky nappies and drips. Some cribs for bedside use an upholstered sheet, which allows you to wash and change it.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to assemble and how compact it is when folded away. Be sure to check if the bed is easy to attach and if there's a bag included to travel with. Check if the product comes with extras such as a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when travelling.