Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great option if you want your baby close by for fuss-free nighttime feeding. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favorite among home testers since it is adjustable to match your bed's height and rotates to 360 degrees for easy access. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of suffering from suffocation. They can be attached to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your child during the night, and they're suitable for mothers who are recovering from the c-section. There are many things to think about before purchasing one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib ensure you're buying one that meets current safety standards. Many older cribs were removed due to the risk of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Be sure that the crib you select meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be in place in November 2020.
The new regulations prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, the majority of models have half-height walls, which still allow your baby to sleep next to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier by sinking slightly lower than 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 securely fixed. This is especially crucial if you intend to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, such as the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby awards.
It's also important to keep in mind that a crib is intended for sleeping purposes and should not be used with any bedding or other accessories, like pillows, blankets toys, or toys for stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should only sleep in their crib or cot and not on an adult's bed, or any other kind of soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child safe throughout the night, without the danger that they might be shared with another baby. This can increase the risk of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models come with slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow for air circulation. They also have an opening or window that can be rolled up or down depending on the need. This makes it easier to nurse, change your baby or check on them throughout the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to carry around the house. It must also be easy to clean, with an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on one side can be useful to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include the mattress, while other require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure that the mattress is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with 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 when you are recovering from a C-section.
Some models include useful features, like the tummy-tilt feature to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses' basket that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat to store, or comes with bags. Check the price and see what bedding is included in the crib. It is common to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great option for new mums. They allow them to monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of the bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a csection or in the aftermath of other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and preferences. In addition to the obvious safety features, consider whether you want to be able to get your child out of the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it comes with additional features like the ability to rock. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to make sure that the crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived - they're still packed with great features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, as well as reflux incline options and an adjustable height. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and has smart oak legs, which means it will fit right into your bedroom. Plus, it's easy to put together and fold, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lower during the day to allow you to hold your baby and co-sleep safely and then raised at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, but one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to operate initially.
You should make sure that the bedding you use for a crib beside a bed is properly fitted. There should not be gaps or other gaps, which could lead to an air suffocation. A majority of cribs come with a mattress. However bedside cots uk are available that will fit in the majority of retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they will wear out and become worse with age, 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 when you go on vacation. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit into a carry bag so that you can transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and newborns because they allow you to see your baby at night without the danger of them falling off your mattress or suffocating. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest that you only sleep with them for the first 6 months, with a separate mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you choose the bedside crib could have features that make it more convenient. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and is adjustable in the height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. This model also has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to comfort their baby.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking feature (great for fussy babies) or incline settings to help with reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby has a condition that causes reflux but remember that your newborn should rest on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a model be aware of the ease to keep clean. Make sure the fabric can be washed by machine and if there's a waterproof mattress protector that protects you from leaky nappies, baby sick or spills. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other things to consider are how easy it is to assemble and how compact it is when folded away. Check if it is easy to attach and if there's a bag included to travel with. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as tilting the tummy or the option of turning it into a moses basket for older babies - this could be helpful for travel.