Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close to you for an easy nighttime feeding, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the ideal choice. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They adhere to the the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home test subjects love that this crib rotates 360deg for easy access and has an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It folds up easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep your baby close during the night without risking suffocation or overheating. They can be attached to your bed so that you can reach out and comfort or feed your child in the middle night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from an c-section. However, there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.
When shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're choosing a model that complies with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalled due to the risk of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Make sure that the crib you choose meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of this year.
The new rules prohibit bedside cribs from having sides that completely fall down. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to sleep on your bed, but also offer a more secure protection since they are a bit beneath your mattress. All of our models 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 capable of being securely attached to your bed and is attached properly. This is particularly 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&Baby Awards.
It is important to remember, too, that a crib is intended for sleep and should not be used with bedding or other items like toys, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals. Official advice for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only sleep in their own sleeping space, in their own crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child safe throughout the night, without the possibility that they could be shared with another baby. This could increase the chance of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach over and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, convenient, and comfortable for your newborn baby and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models have slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow for airflow. You can also move the window or door according to your needs. This makes it easier to nurse, change your baby, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models even come with the swaddle sack, which can help you with a safe sleep routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded making it 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. best bedside cot for newborn on one end can be useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, while others must purchase separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm and breathable. Avoid using mattresses from second-hand stores as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to fit the bed's height. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be very beneficial to you, particularly when you are recovering from a C-section.
Certain models have additional features that could be beneficial for parents, like tilting the tummy for reflux, or detachable to become a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat to store, or comes with bags. Find out the price and what bedding comes with the crib. It is usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
New mums appreciate the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that allow them to monitor baby during feedings at night and diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They also help babies settle after a csection or after recovering from other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and needs. In addition to the obvious safety features, think about whether you'd like to be capable of lifting your child from the crib to feed them or soothe them, and if it has additional features like the ability to rock. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that any crib you pick will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, but they do have some great features, such as air-tight mesh, see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and an adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs to fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to let you hold your baby during the day, and for a safer co-sleeping environment, but then come back up at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, though one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to operate initially.
You must make sure that the bedding used to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other openings, which could lead to an air suffocation. This is why a lot of cribs have an adjustable mattress, however you can find suitable sheets at most retailers. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they can be worn down and deteriorate over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to move from room space, or take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in bags so that you can take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without having to worry about them falling off the bed or suffocating. It's important to remember that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your child for the first six months with a separate bed in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you select, bedside cribs could include features that enhance their ease of use. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test swivels, and is adjustable in the height to make it easier to reach and pick up your child. The model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which an MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to hold their infant.
Some models include additional features like a rocking feature (useful for fussy babies) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are helpful for children with an illness that causes reflux, but your newborn should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a model take into consideration how easy it is to keep clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if it has a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
best bedside cot uk to consider include how easy it is to assemble and how compact when folded away. Check if the bed is easy to attach and if there's an included bag to carry it on the road. 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 is a great feature when travelling.