Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great choice when you want your baby to be close for a peaceful evening feeding. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home test subjects love that this crib rotates 360deg to make it easy to access and has an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It is also easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They can be attached to the sides of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your baby in the middle of the night, and they're perfect for mothers recovering from a c-section. There are a lot of things to consider prior to purchasing one.
When you're looking for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're looking at one that meets current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Check that your chosen model meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November 2020.
The new rules forbid bedside cribs from having sides that completely fall down. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to lay next to your bed, but offer a more secure protection because they sink a little below your 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 Award 2017
Make sure that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is securely anchored. This is particularly important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper 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 the crib should be used only for sleeping and should never 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 an official safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type or soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close at night without the threat of bed-sharing, which can increase the risk of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach over and soothe your baby in the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, convenient and comfortable for your new baby and babies up until 6 months old.
The top models offer good airflow, with slats that are open and wide enough to let air flow. You can also move the door or window according to your needs. It's easy to change your baby's diaper or nurse them, or monitor their sleep at the end of the night. Some models also come with an swaddle bag to assist you to have a secure sleep routine.
It should be compact and light in its fold so that it is easy to transport around the house. It should also be easy to clean, with a removable and washable mattress cover. A pocket on one side is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed for your specific model and is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it matches the height of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be a great help to you, especially in the event that you are recovering from a C section.
Some models have extra features that are useful like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detachable to make a moses' basket, and later a toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib rocks, folds down to lie flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth checking how much the model costs and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to purchase additional sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow them to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes, without getting out of their bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from c-section or other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
The best crib is contingent on your requirements and your lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be capable of lifting your child from the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it comes with any extras such as rocking functions. Check the height and size of your bed to make sure that the crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived - they're still packed with great features like air-tight mesh and transparent sides, as well as reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with elegant oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble, fold and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be removed in the daytime to allow the baby to be held and sleep in a safe manner and then raised at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, but one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use at first.
The bedding you put in a bedside crib must be fitted properly and must not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation dangers. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that fit in most retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses as they can be worn down and become deteriorated over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are more lightweight 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 a carry bag so that you can take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without having to worry about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. But, it's important to note that official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby during the first six months - with a separate bed in the same room to lower the risk of SIDS.
Depending on which model you choose the bedside crib could have features that make it more comfortable. For instance one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach into the crib and take your baby. baby bedside crib has a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this provided her with 'easy access" to comfort their child.
Some models have extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings that help with reflux. These may be handy to use if your baby is suffering from a condition that causes reflux but remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Think about how easy it is be to clean the model. Make sure the fabric can be washed by machine and if it comes with a mattress protector with waterproof properties that will shield you from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Make sure the bed is easy to attach and if there's an included bag for travel. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful for those who travel.