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 bedside crib co-sleeper is the perfect choice. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home test subjects love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access and features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It folds up easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of suffocation. They are attached to the sides of your bed so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your infant during the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. There's plenty to consider before you invest in one.
If you're 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 have been recalled due to the fact that they permit children to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they could pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure the crib you are considering is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of this year.
The most significant change to the new regulations is that bedside cribs will not have drop-down sides. Most cribs have "half height walls that allow your child to lie beside your bed, but offer a more secure barrier since they are a bit below your mattress. All models on our list 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 Awards 2017.
It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering purchasing is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is attached correctly. related webpage is especially 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 and Baby Awards.
It is also important to remember that a crib is intended for sleeping and should never be used with bedding or accessories, like pillows, blankets toys or animals that are stuffed. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official 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 type or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child close throughout the night, without the danger that they might be sharing a crib with another infant. This can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to comfort your baby without getting out of bed in the middle night. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have good airflow with slats open and wide enough to allow air flow. They also feature an opening or window that you can roll up or down when needed. This makes it easier to change your baby's diapers, nurse him or check on them throughout the night. Some models also come with an swaddle bag to assist you to have a secure sleep routine.
You want a model that is lightweight and compact when folded so it's easy to move around your home or to take with you on your travels. It should also be easy to clean, and come with a a removable and washable mattress cover. A pocket on one end is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include a mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is flat, firm and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to match the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be very beneficial for you, particularly if you recovering from a C section.
Certain models come with additional features that can be useful, such as a tummy tilt for reflux, or the ability to detach to become a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat for storage, or comes with a bag. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and the bedding included - it's usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
New mums love the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that let them monitor baby during night feeds and changing nappy without having to get out of the bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from a C-section or other medical condition like colic or reflux.
The best crib is contingent on your preferences and lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be able to get your child out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it comes with any extras such as a rocking function. Also, look at the dimensions and height of your bed and ensure that the crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically more affordable than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're still loaded with amazing features, including air-tight mesh and transparent sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and features stylish oak legs, which means it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also easy to assemble, fold and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be lowered in the daytime to allow you to hold your baby and sleep in a safe manner and then raised at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use initially.
The bedding you choose to use in a crib for bed must fit properly and must not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation risks. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can become worn out and become worse with age, increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room to space, or take when you go on vacation. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit into the carry bag, so that you can take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to see your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. However, it's important to remember that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby for the first six months - with an additional bed in the same space, to lower the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you choose, bedside cribs may include features that enhance their ease of use. For instance one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height, making it easy to reach in and pick up your little one. The sidewall of this model that slopes down. One MFM home tester said that this provided her with 'easy access" to comfort their child.
Some models have extra features like a rocking function (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings to help with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux, but be aware that your baby should sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Check if the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector that can protect against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have an upholstered sheet, which allows you to wash and change it.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Check if it's easy to attach to your bed, and if it has a bag to use for travelling. Also, think about if it has extras like a tummy tilt or the possibility of turning it into a moses basket for older babies - this could be helpful for travel.