Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great choice if you want your baby close by for fuss-free evening feeding. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favored among home testers since it is adjustable to match the bed's height, and it swivels a full 360 degrees to make it easy to access. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep baby close by throughout the night without putting them at risk of suffocation or overheating. They attach to your bed so that you can reach out to soothe or feed your child in the middle night. They're also great for mums recovering after an c-section. There's plenty to think about before you purchase one.
If you're shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're looking at a model that complies with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled because they let children slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they could pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure the crib you select meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be in place in November 2020.
The biggest change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs can not have drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to lie next to your bed, but offer a more secure protection because they sink a little below 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 both of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
It's also worth checking that the crib you're looking at is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is secured correctly. This is particularly important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system, such as the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards.
It is crucial to remember, too, that a crib is only meant for sleeping, and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories such as toys, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should only sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing which can increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and soothe your baby in the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, easy to use and comfortable for your new baby and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models come with slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow air flow. They also have a door and/or window that can be rolled up or down as needed. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or examine their sleep at the end of the night. Some models include an swaddle bag that can aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
You'll 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 able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one end is handy to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress and others you need to purchase separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed for your specific model and is supple, flat and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height so that it is in line with the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be very beneficial to you, particularly in the event that you are recovering from a C Section.
Certain models have additional features that can be useful, such as 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 a bag. Look at the cost and find out what bedding comes with the crib. It is often necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow mothers to monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without getting out of bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition such as colic or reflux.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and needs. In addition to the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you'd like to be able to lift your baby out of the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it comes with any extras such as the ability to rock. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that any crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, but they have great features, such as the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs to be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold up, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be lowered during the day to allow the baby to be held and sleep safely and then raised at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
It is essential to ensure that the bedding used to make a crib bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings, which could lead to suffocation. Most cribs are equipped with mattresses. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. Avoid travel bedside crib that are second-hand because they are likely to wear out and degrade with time and increase the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to transport from room to rooms, or to take on trips on. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit into the carry bag, so that you can transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for new babies and parents because they allow you to see your baby at night without the danger of them falling off the mattress or getting suffocated. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six months, with an additional mattress in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
The model you choose the crib that you choose for your bed could have features that make it more practical. For instance one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach into the crib and take your baby. The sidewall of this model which dips down. One MFM home tester said that this gave her 'easy access" to comfort their child.
Certain models include extra features such as a rocking feature (great for fussy babies), or incline settings to help with reflux. These are beneficial in the event that your child suffers from an illness that triggers reflux, however your baby should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a fabric, consider the ease to clean. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable and has a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs with a bedside have an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier for you to wash and change it.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Check if it's easy to connect to your bed and if it comes with a bag to take it with you on your travels. Lastly, consider if it has additional features like tilting your tummy or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older children. This can be useful for travelling.