Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for the night without any fuss A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the perfect choice. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favorite by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to suit the bed's height, and it swivels to 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep your baby close at night without the risk of suffocation or overheating. They are attached to your bed, so you can reach out and soothe or feed your child during the middle of night. They're also great for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. There's plenty to consider before purchasing one.
If you are looking for a crib to put next to your bed, make sure that the crib you select meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Check that your chosen model meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of this year.
The new rules prohibit cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Instead, most models feature 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to sleep next to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier by sinking a bit lower than your mattress. All of our models are in compliance with these new standards. 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 if the crib you're considering purchasing is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is attached properly. This is especially 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 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 accessories such as pillows, blankets toys or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing which can increase the likelihood of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach out and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have slats that are wide and open enough to allow air circulation. You can also roll up and down the window or door as you need. It's easy to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or examine them at the end of the night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be small and light when folded, so that it is easy to carry around the home. It must also be easy to clean, with a removable and washable mattress cover. A pocket on one end is handy for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress, while others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is designed for your specific model and is supple, flat and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it is in line with the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering C-section surgery, a bedside crib with an adjustable height gives you a greater chance of getting in and out of bed with ease, especially during the early days of recovering.
Some models come with useful extras, such as the tummy-tilt feature 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 rock, folds down to lie flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. bedside cot reviews 's also worth checking how much the model costs and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to purchase separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic option for mothers who are new. They let them monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from c-section or other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
The best crib for your child is based on your preferences and lifestyle. Consider the safety features and whether you will be able remove your baby from the crib in order to feed them or calm them. Also, make sure to check if the crib has any additional features, like rocking capabilities. Also, look at the dimensions and the height of your bed and make sure that the crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be more affordable than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're packed with amazing features, including the breathable mesh and clear sides, as well as reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and comes with stylish oak legs, so it will fit right into your bedroom. bedside crib travel 's also simple to put together and fold up, and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to let you hold your baby during the day, and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience, but then pop up again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, though one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to use at first.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed should be a good fit and should not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation risks. This is the reason that many cribs have mattresses that are fitted, but sheets that are suitable for use at a variety of retailers. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they may be worn out and deteriorate over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to transport from room to rooms, or to take on trips on. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit into a carry bag so that you can easily take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for new babies and parents as they let you see your baby at night without the danger of them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other sleep guidelines that are official recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six month with an additional mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model you choose, bedside cribs may feature features that increase their ease of use. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test swivels, and can be adjusted in the height so that it is easier for you reach in and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester said gave her 'easy access' to soothe their infant.
Some models include additional features like a rocking function (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are beneficial if your child has a condition which can cause reflux, however, your baby should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and comes with a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet, which makes it easier for you to change and wash it.
Consider the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Check if it's simple to attach to your bed and whether it has a bag to use for travel. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as tilting your tummy or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older babies - this could be helpful for travel.