Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed 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 adhere to the the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home test subjects love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It is also easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close to you at night without risk of being suffocated. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach out to help or feed your child in the middle night. They're also great for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. However, there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.
If you're searching for a crib to place beside your bed, be sure that the crib you select conforms to current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalled because they permit children to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they could pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be launched in November 2020.
The new rules forbid bedside cribs from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, most models feature half-height walls that allow your baby to lay next to your bed but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a little lower than your mattress. All of the models we have listed comply with these new requirements, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Check that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is securely fixed. This is particularly important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleep 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's important to keep in mind that a crib is meant for sleeping, and should not be used with bedding or other accessories like toys, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines which state that babies should sleep only in their cribs or cots and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close by at night without the risk of bed-sharing which can increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and soothe your baby during the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies up to 6 months old.
The best models have slats that are wide and wide enough to allow air circulation. You can also roll up and down the door or window depending on your needs. It is simple to change your baby's diaper and nurse them or monitor them at the end of the night. Some models include an swaddle bag that can help you create a safe sleeping routine.
It should be small and light in its fold so that it is easy to transport around the house. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra nappies and baby clothes.
best bedside cot uk include a mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure the mattress is flat, firm and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height that it is in line with the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib with an adjustable height will give you a better chance of getting in and out of bed easily particularly in the early weeks of healing.
Some models include useful features, like an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rocks or folds down to lay flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth looking into how much the model costs and what bedding is included - it's usually necessary to purchase additional sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New mothers appreciate the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that allow them to keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and changing nappy without getting out of the bed. They also help babies settle after a csection or after recovering from other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and requirements. Consider the safety features and whether you are able to remove your baby from the crib in order to feed or calm them. Also, consider whether the crib comes with extras, such as rocking features. Also, take a look at the dimensions and height of your bed and make sure that the crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally cheaper than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're still loaded with great features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and has smart oak legs, which means it's perfect for your bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to assemble and fold and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lower during the day, allowing you to touch your baby and co-sleep safely, but are raised again at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use for the first time.
Any bedding you use in a bedside crib should be a good fit and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation risks. This is why a lot of cribs come with mattresses that are fitted, but you can find suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. It's a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they are prone to wear and become deteriorated over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to move from room room, or to take when you go on trips on. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit into the carry bag, so that you can take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to look at your baby without worrying about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. However, it's important to keep in mind that the official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby during the first six months with a separate bed in the same space, to lower the risk of SIDS.
Depending on which model you pick the crib that you choose for your bed could have features that make it more practical. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted in the height to make it easier to reach and pick your child up. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester said gave an easy access to comfort their infant.
Some models have additional extras like a rocking function (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby suffers from a condition that causes reflux, but remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Consider the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Check if it's easy to connect to your bed and whether it has a bag to use for travel. Consider if the product has additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the possibility of converting it into a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when travelling.