Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great option if you want your baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a popular choice among home testers since it can be adjusted to suit your bed's height and rotates a full 360 degrees for easy access. It folds up easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep baby close by during the night without risking overheating or suffocating. They can be attached to your bed, which means you can reach out to help or feed your child during the middle of the night. bedside cot for twins are also ideal for mothers recovering from a c section. But there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.
If you are searching for an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, ensure that the crib you select is safe and meets the current standards for safety. A number of cribs from the past were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which will be in place in November 2020.
The most significant change to the new regulations is that bedside cribs will not be made with completely drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to lay on your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier because they sink a little below the mattress. All of the models we have listed comply with these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering is able to attach securely to your bed and is secured properly. This is particularly important if you plan 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 in the Mother&Baby awards.
It's also important to keep in mind that the crib should only be used for sleeping and should never be used with bedding or other accessories, such as pillows, blankets, toys, or animals that are stuffed. The official safe sleep guidelines from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only rest in their own bed space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child in close proximity at night, without the possibility that they could be shared with another baby. This can increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and soothe your baby during the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and infants up to 6 months old.
The top models offer good airflow, with slats that are open and wide enough to allow air flow. They also come with a door and/or window that can be folded up or down as needed. This makes it simple to nurse, change your baby or check on them throughout the night. Some models also include the swaddle sack, which can help you with a safe sleep routine.
You want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded so it's easy to move around your home or to take with you on your travels. It should also be easy to clean, with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on the other side can be useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, while others must purchase separately. Be sure the mattress is flat, firm and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to the bed's height. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be extremely beneficial to you, particularly in the event that you recovering from a C-section.
Certain models come with useful features, like an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or a detachable moses' basket that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib is rocking or folds down to lay flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth looking into the price and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to purchase separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
New mothers are enthralled by the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to monitor baby during night feeds and nappy changes without getting out of the bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from a C-section or any other medical issue like reflux or colic.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and requirements. Take into consideration the safety features and if you are able to remove your baby from the crib in order to feed or calm them. Also, check whether the crib comes with additional features, like rocking capabilities. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that any crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, however they have excellent features, including air-tight mesh, see-through sides, incline options for reflux and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs to make it a great fit for any bedroom. Plus, it's easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be lower during the day, allowing you to touch your baby and sleep safely however, they are raised at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, though one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to operate initially.
It is essential to ensure that the bedding used for a crib beside a bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other openings, which could cause the suffocation. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However bedside co sleeper cot are available that fit in most retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses as they can be worn down and deteriorate over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or to take along on holidays. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags, so you can easily take them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and babies because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the fear of them rolling off your mattress or getting suffocated. It's important to remember that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your baby during the first six months with an additional bed in the same room, to lower the chance of SIDS.
Depending on which model you pick the crib that you choose for your bed could have features that make it more convenient. For instance, one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy to reach into the crib and pick up your little one. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which an MFM home tester said gave her 'easy access' to comfort their infant.
Some models have extra features like a rocking function (great for fussy babies) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are useful if your child has an illness that causes reflux, but your newborn should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
When choosing a model be aware of how easy it will be to keep clean. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Consider the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Check if it is easy to attach and if there's an included bag to travel with. Check if the product comes with additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the possibility of converting it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful for those who travel.