Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a fantastic option when you want your baby close by for fuss-free evening feeding. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a popular choice among home testers since it can be adjusted to fit the bed's height, and it swivels all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by throughout the night without putting them at risk of suffocation or overheating. They can be attached to your bed so that you can reach out and soothe or feed your child in the middle night. They are also ideal for mums recovering after an c-section. But there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.
If you are choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, be sure that the crib you select is safe and meets the current standards for safety. Many older cribs have been recalled because they allow babies to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they could pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of 2020.
The most significant change to the new rules is that bedside cribs will not be made with completely drop-down sides. Instead, many models come with 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to sleep next to your bed but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a little lower than your mattress. All of the models on our list conform to these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
It's also worth checking if the crib you're looking at is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is anchored properly. This is especially crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper, like 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 crucial to remember, too, that a crib is designed for sleeping and should not be used with bedding or other items like toys, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals. The official safe sleep guidelines from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should rest in their own bed space, in their own crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other type of mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for your bed lets you keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the likelihood of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach out and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without having to get up. It's an 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 old.
The best models have slats which are wide and spacious enough to allow air flow. You can also roll up and down the window or door according to your needs. It's easy to change your baby's diaper and nurse them or check on them at night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the home. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on the other side is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include a mattress, while others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is flat, firm, and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to the bed's height. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be extremely beneficial to you, particularly if you are recovering from a C Section.
Some models have extra features that can be useful for parents, like a tummy tilt for reflux, or the ability to detach to transform into a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage, or comes with bags. It's also worth determining the cost of the crib and the bedding included - it's often necessary to purchase separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great option for mothers who are new. They allow them to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a csection or in the aftermath of other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and preferences. In addition to the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be able to get your baby out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it comes with additional features like rocking functions. Also, look at the size and the height of your bed and make sure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived - they're still packed with great features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, incline options for reflux and adjustable height. Our favorite 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 simple to put together and fold up, and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be lower in the daytime to allow you to touch your baby and co-sleep safely and then raised at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, although one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to operate initially.
The bedding you put in a crib bed should be a good fit and should not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation hazards. A majority of cribs come with a mattress. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they are likely to wear 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 easier to move from room room, or to take when you go on trips on. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, to allow you to transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you observe your baby without having to worry about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's 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 6 months with an additional mattress in the same space to minimize the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you choose, bedside cribs may include features that enhance their convenience. For instance one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach inside and pick up your little one. The sidewall of this model that dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this allowed her to have a'simple access" to comfort their child.
Some models come with extras like a rocking feature (great for fussy babies) or incline settings that help with reflux. These are beneficial if your child has an illness that causes reflux, but your baby should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy best bedside cot for newborn will to clean the model. Check whether the fabric can be machine washed and if it has a mattress protector with waterproof properties, which will protect from leaky nappies, baby sick or spills. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other factors to consider include the ease with which it can put together and how compact it is when folded away. 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 comes with extras such as tilting your tummy or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older babies - this is a great option for traveling.