Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for fuss-free feeding at night, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the perfect choice. bedside cot wooden '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 fit the bed's height, and it swivels a full 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without the risk of suffocation. They are 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. They're perfect for mothers recovering from the c-section. But there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.
When shopping for a crib that is bedside, ensure you're buying an item that is in line with current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Make sure that the crib you choose meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November 2020.
The most significant change to the new rules is that bedside cribs will not have drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lie next to your bed but offer a more secure barrier by sinking slightly lower than the mattress. All of our models meet these 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
It's also worth checking that the crib you're considering is able to attach securely to your bed and is secured properly. This is particularly important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system, such as the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother and Baby Awards.
It's also important to keep in mind that a crib should be used only for sleeping and should never be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories such as 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 cribs or cots and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type or soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close by at night without the risk of bed-sharing, which could increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical and comfortable for your infant baby and babies up until 6 months old.
The most effective models have excellent breathability and slats that are wide enough to let air flow. You can also move the door or window as you need. This makes it easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them or check on them throughout the night. Some models even come with a swaddle sack to help you sleep in a safe routine.
It should be compact and light in its fold so that it is easy to transport around the house. It must also be easy to clean, and come with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. A pocket on one end is handy to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed specifically for your model and is supple, flat and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height that it is in line with the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be a great help to you, especially when you are recovering from a C-section.
Some models come with useful extras, like an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses' basket which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat for storage, or comes with a bag. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
New mums are enthralled by the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to monitor baby during night feedings and diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from C-section or any other medical issue such as colic or reflux.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and preferences. Aside from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be capable of lifting your child out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it includes additional features like rocking functions. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that the crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically cheaper than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you - they're still packed with great features like air-tight mesh and transparent sides, reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. bedside crib that turns into cot comes in three colors and features stylish oak legs, which means it's perfect for your bedroom. Additionally, it's easy to fold and assemble and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you touch your baby during the day, and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience however, they pop up again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, though one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.
Any bedding you use in a crib for bed must be fitted properly and should not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation dangers. This is why a lot of cribs have an adjustable mattress, however you can find suitable sheets at most retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses, which may be worn out and become deteriorated over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room to room or carry on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, so that you can take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. However, it's important to note that official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your child for the first six months - with a separate bed in the same room, to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Depending on which model you choose the bedside crib could come with features that make it more comfortable. For instance, one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height so it's easy to reach into the crib and take your baby. The model comes with a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester stated that this allowed her to 'easy access" to soothe their child.
Some models have additional extras, such as 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. However, be aware that your baby should sleep on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it is be to clean the model. Check if the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector that can keep away leaky nappies and drips. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other things to consider are the ease with which it can put together and how compact when folded away. Check if it is easy to attach and if there's a bag included to travel with. Consider if the product has additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the capability to transform it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when travelling.