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 close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a popular choice by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to suit the bed's height, and it swivels to 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close during the night without fear of suffering from suffocation. They can be attached to the sides of your bed so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your baby during the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from an op. However, there's a lot to think about before purchasing one.
When shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're looking at a model that complies with current safety standards. Many older cribs were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. 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 new regulations prohibit bedside cribs from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, the majority of models have 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lay next to your bed but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than the mattress. All of our models 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.
It's also important to ensure that the crib you're looking at is able to attach securely to your bed and is secured properly. This is particularly important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper, such as the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It is important to keep in mind that a crib is only designed for sleeping and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories such as toys, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animal. The official safe sleep guidelines from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only rest in their own bed space, in their own crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing which can increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach out and comfort your baby during 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's safe, easy to use and comfortable for your new baby and babies until 6 months of age.
The most effective models have good breathability with slats wide enough and open enough to allow airflow. You can also move the door or window according to your needs. This makes it simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on them throughout the night. Some models also come with a swaddle sack to help you to have a secure sleep routine.
It should be small and light when folded, so that it is easy to carry around the house. It should also be easy to clean, with an easily washable and removable mattress cover. The pocket on one side can be used to store spare diapers and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure that the mattress is firm, flat, and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height so that it matches the height of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-section surgery A bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a greater chance of getting into and out of bed with ease, especially during the early weeks when you're still healing.
Certain models have additional features that could be beneficial, such as tilting the tummy for reflux, or the ability to detach to transform into a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, can be folded flat to store, or comes with bags. It's also worth checking how much the model costs and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to buy separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic option for mothers who are new. They let them keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without having to get out of their bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a csection or in the aftermath of other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
Choosing the best bedside crib for you depends on your needs and lifestyle. Take into consideration the safety features and whether you are able to lift your baby from the crib to feed them or soothe them. Also, make sure to check if the crib has any extras, like rocking features. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that any crib you select can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived - they're still packed with fantastic features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, reflux incline options 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 be a perfect fit in any bedroom. Plus, it's easy to put together and fold and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be lowered during the day, allowing you to hold your baby and sleep safely and then raised at 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.
The bedding you put in a crib bed must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation risks. bedside cot newborn is the reason that many cribs have an adjustable mattress, however sheets that are suitable for use at most stores. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they are likely to wear out and deteriorate with time and increase the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or carry during holidays. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit into a carry bag, so you can easily bring them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six months with an additional mattress in the same room to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Depending on which model you choose, the bedside crib may come with features that make it more convenient. For instance one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach in and take your baby. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester said that this gave her gain access" to soothe their child.
Some models include additional features, such as the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful for children with a condition which can cause reflux, however, your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a fabric, consider the ease to clean. Make sure the fabric can be washed by machine and if there's a mattress protector with waterproof properties, which will protect from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other factors to consider include the ease with which it can assemble and how compact when folded away. Make sure the bed is simple to attach and if there's a bag included for travel. Additionally, take note of whether it comes with extras such as a tummy tilt or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older children - this could be helpful for travel.