Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great choice when you want your baby to be close for a peaceful nighttime feeding. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love the fact that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access. It also comes with an adjustable mattress to fit your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without risk of being suffocated. They are attached to your bed, which means you can reach out and soothe or feed your child in the middle night. bedside crib travel for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. But there's a lot to consider before purchasing one.
When you're looking for a bedside crib, ensure you're buying a model that complies with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled due to the fact that they allow babies to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure the crib you are considering meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of 2020.
The most significant change to the new rules is that bedside cribs can no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, many models come with 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lay next to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a little lower than the mattress. All of the models in our list meet the new standards, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Verify that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is properly anchored. This is particularly important if you plan to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, 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's important to remember, too, that a crib is meant for sleeping, and should not be used with bedding or other accessories like pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animal. Official advice for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants 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 lets you keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the risk of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies as young as 6 months old.
The most effective models have good airflow and slats that are open and wide enough to allow air flow. You can also move the door or window as you need. This makes it simple to nurse, change your baby, or check on them during the night. Some models also include the swaddle sack, which can help you sleep in a safe routine.
It should be compact and light when folded so that it is easy to carry around the home. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. A pocket on the other side can be useful to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include the mattress, while other require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm and airy. Avoid using second-hand mattresses because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right 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 when you recovering from a C-section.
Certain models have additional features that can be useful for parents, like tilting the tummy for reflux, or detach to become a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib rock or folds down to lay flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. Find out the price and what bedding is included in the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
New mothers appreciate the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside, which allow them to monitor their baby during night feeds and diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from a c-section or other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Consider the safety features and whether you are able to remove your baby from the crib in order to feed or calm them. Also, make sure to check whether the crib comes with extras, like rocking capabilities. Examine the height and size of your bed to make sure that the crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be more affordable than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled - they're still packed with amazing features, including the breathable mesh and clear sides, as well as reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends 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. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be lower in the daytime to allow the baby to be held and sleep safely and then raised at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, although one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use at first.
The bedding you put in a bedside crib must be fitted properly and should not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation dangers. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which may be worn out and degrade over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room to room or to take along when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning you can easily take them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to keep in mind 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 and then have an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model you choose, bedside cribs may feature features that increase their convenience. For example one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height so it's easy to reach inside and take your baby. The model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester described as giving her "easy access" to soothe their baby.
Some models include additional features, such as a rocking function (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux but remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a model be aware of the ease to keep clean. Find out if the fabric can be washed by machine and if it comes with a waterproof mattress protector that will shield you from leaky nappies and infant sick or spills. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other things to consider are how easy it is to build and how compact it is when folded away. Be sure to check if the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with bags included for travel. Also, think about if it has additional features like tilting the tummy or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older children. This is a great option for traveling.