Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a fantastic option for parents who want their baby close by for fuss-free nighttime feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They follow official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home testers love that this crib swivels 360deg for easy access and comes with an adjustable mattress to fit your bed. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without risk of suffering from suffocation. They are attached to the side of your bed, so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your baby during the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. But there's a lot to think about before you invest in one.
When shopping for a bedside crib, ensure you're buying an item that is in line 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 as well as the sides of the crib. Be sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be in place in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit bedside cribs from having sides that completely drop down. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to sleep beside your bed, but provide a more protective barrier since they are a bit below your mattress. All of the models we have listed comply with these new requirements and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also important to ensure that the crib you're considering is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is attached properly. This is especially 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 is also important to remember that the crib should only be used for sleeping purposes and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories like pillows, blankets toys or animals that are stuffed. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should only sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other kind of soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to comfort your baby without getting out of bed at the middle of the night. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical, and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies up until 6 months old.
The top models offer excellent breathability with slats wide enough to let air flow. You can also move the door or window depending on your needs. This makes it simple to nurse, change your baby, or check on them throughout the night. Some models also include a swaddle sack to help you to have a secure sleep routine.
You'll want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded, making it easy to move around your home or transport to your destination. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. The pocket at one end can be used to store spare baby clothes and nappies.
Some bedside cribs include mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height that it matches the height of your own bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib with an adjustable height will give you a greater chance of getting in and out of bed with ease particularly in the early weeks of healing.
Certain models come with useful features, like an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Consider whether bedside crib to cot Cots For Tots is rocking, able to be folded flat to store, or comes with a bag. Find out the price and what bedding comes with the crib. It is often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They let them monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes without getting out of their bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a c-section or in the aftermath of other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
Choosing the right bedside crib for you depends on your requirements and your lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, think about whether you'd like to be able to get your child from the crib to feed them or calm them and if it includes additional features like the ability to rock. Examine the height and size of your bed to make sure that the crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be cheaper than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're packed with great features like air-tight mesh and transparent sides, incline options for reflux and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with elegant oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to let you touch your baby during the daytime and for a safer co-sleeping environment However, they will appear again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, though one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to use at first.
The bedding you put in a crib for bed should be a good fit and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation dangers. This is why a lot of cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can find suitable sheets at most stores. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which can be worn down and degrade over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room to room, or to take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit into the carry bag, meaning you can easily bring them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and newborns because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the fear of them rolling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to keep in mind 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 a separate bed in the same space, to lower the risk of SIDS.
The model you pick the bedside crib could include features that make it more comfortable. For example one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height, making it easy for you to reach inside and pick up your little one. This model has a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this gave her gain access" to comfort their child.
Some models have extra features like a rocking feature (great for fussy babies) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux, but keep in mind that your baby must rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will 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, baby sick or dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet that allows you to wash and change it.
Consider the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Check if the bed is easy to attach and if there's a bag included to travel with. Check if the product comes with additional features like a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when traveling.