Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close for the night without any fuss A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the best option. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love the fact that this crib swivels 360deg to make it easy to access and has an adjustable mattress height to fit your bed. It folds up easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without risk of being suffocated. They are attached to the sides of your bed so that you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your child during the night, and they're suitable for mothers who are recovering from an op. However, there's a lot to think about before you invest in one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib, ensure you're buying a model that complies with current safety standards. Many older cribs have been recalled due to the fact that they let children fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they could pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Be sure that the crib you choose meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be introduced in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs can no longer have completely drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to sleep next to your bed, but offer a more secure protection since they are a bit below the 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 important to ensure that the crib you're considering is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is anchored properly. This is particularly crucial if you plan 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 and Baby Awards.
It is also important to remember that the crib should only be used to sleep and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other accessories, such as pillows, blankets toys or animals that are stuffed. Official advice for safe sleep from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only sleep in their own sleep 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 by at night without the threat of bed-sharing, which could increase the likelihood of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and soothe your baby during the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, convenient and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies until 6 months of age.
The best models feature good airflow, with slats that are wide enough to let air flow. You can also move the door or window according to your needs. It's easy to change your baby's diaper or nurse them, or examine their sleep at the end of the night. Some models also come with a swaddle sack to help you sleep in a safe routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded making it easy to move around your home or to take with you on your travels. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on one side can be useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress and others you must purchase separately. Make sure the mattress is firm, flat, and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to fit the bed's height. Especially if you're recovering from C-section surgery, a bedside crib with an adjustable height gives you a better chance of getting in and out of bed easily particularly in the early days of recovering.
Some models include useful extras, such as the tummy-tilt feature for reflux or a detachable moses bin that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib is rocking, folds down to lie flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and the bedding included - it's usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for new mums. They allow them to monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without having to get out of their bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition such as colic or reflux.
Choosing the best bedside crib for your child is based on your needs and lifestyle. In addition to the obvious safety features, consider whether you want to be able to get your child out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it comes with any additional features, such as the ability to rock. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, but they have amazing features, like the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect sleeper. It's available in three colours and has smart oak legs, which means it's perfect for your bedroom. It's also easy to put together, fold and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to let you touch your baby during the day, and for safer co-sleeping, but then appear again at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use at first.
The bedding you put in a crib bed must be fitted properly and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation dangers. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they are likely to wear out and deteriorate with time and increase the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to move from room to room, or to take when you go on trips on. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag, so you can easily take them to 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 your mattress or getting suffocated. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six month and then have an additional mattress in the same space to minimize the chance of SIDS.
The model you choose the crib that you choose for your bed could have features that make it more comfortable. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and is adjustable in height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. The sidewall of this model which dips down. One MFM home tester said that this allowed her to gain access" to help their child.
Some models include additional features like a rocking feature (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These can be useful to use if your baby is suffering from a condition that causes reflux, but keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if it has a mattress protector that is waterproof that will shield you from leaky nappies, baby sick or dribbles. bedside crib and cot come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other factors to consider include the ease with which it can build and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure it's easy to attach to your bed, and if it has a bag to use for travelling. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when travelling.