Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for the night without any fuss, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the ideal choice. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access and comes with an adjustable mattress to match your bed. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep your baby close at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They can be attached to your bed so that you can reach out to soothe or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from having a c-section. There are many things to think about before purchasing one.
When looking for a crib to place beside your bed, be sure that the model you choose conforms to current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Make sure the crib you pick is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which is scheduled to be launched in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new rules is that bedside cribs can not be made with completely drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to lay on your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier as they sink below the mattress. All of the models we have listed 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 worth checking that the crib you're considering purchasing is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is anchored properly. This is particularly 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 for the Mother&Baby awards.
It is also important to remember that a crib is intended for sleeping and should never be used with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets, toys, or toys for stuffed animals. rocking bedside crib 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 other mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of bed-sharing, which can increase the likelihood of SIDS. You can also reach out to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, easy to use and comfortable for your infant baby and babies until 6 months old.
The most effective models come with slats that are wide and open enough to allow airflow. You can also roll up and down the window or door according to your needs. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or check on them at night. Some models even come with a swaddle sack to help you with a safe sleep routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded so it's easy to move around the house or take away with you. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on one side can be useful to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure that the mattress is firm, flat, and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to match the height of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib with an adjustable height gives you a better chances of getting in and out of bed quickly particularly in the early days of recovering.
Certain models have additional features that could be beneficial for parents, like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detachable to become a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage, or comes with bags. Check the price and see what bedding is included with the crib. It is often necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow mothers to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a csection or in the aftermath of other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
The best crib is contingent on your needs and your lifestyle. Be aware of safety features and whether you can lift your baby from the crib in order to feed or calm them. Also, consider if the crib has any extras, such as a rocking feature. Also, look at the size and the height of your bed, and check that any crib you pick can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, however they still have excellent features, including breathable mesh and see through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and has smart oak legs, which means it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold up, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be removed during the day, allowing you to touch your baby and co-sleep safely and then raised at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, although one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use initially.
The bedding you put in a bedside crib must fit properly and must not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation dangers. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they will wear out and degrade with time increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room room or carry during holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning you can easily bring them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and babies because they allow you to see your baby at night without the risk of them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend that you only sleep with them for the first six month, with a separate mattress in the same room to decrease the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you select, bedside cribs could include features that enhance their convenience. For example, one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height so it's easy to reach into the crib and pick up your little one. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester said that this gave her have a'simple access" to soothe their child.
Some models come with extras like a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy), or incline settings that aid with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby has a condition that causes reflux, but remember that your newborn should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When choosing a model, consider how easy it is to clean. Check whether the fabric can be washed by machine and if it comes with a mattress protector that is waterproof that protects you from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Check if the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with an included bag for travel. Lastly, consider if it has extras like a tummy tilt or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older babies - this can be useful for travelling.