Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for an easy nighttime feeding, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the ideal choice. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They follow strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favored among home testers since it can be adjusted to suit the bed's height, and it swivels all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is easy to fold and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by at night without the risk of suffocation or overheating. They can be attached to the side of your bed so 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. There are a variety of factors to consider prior to purchasing one.
If you're choosing a crib to put next to your bed, make sure that the crib you select conforms to current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled because they let children slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of this year.
The new regulations prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, most models feature 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lay close to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a little lower than the mattress. All of the models on our list comply with these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also worth checking if the crib you're looking at is able to attach securely to your bed and is secured properly. This is particularly important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system like the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards.
It's also important to remember that a crib is intended for sleeping and should never be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories like blankets, pillows toys or toys for stuffed animals. 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 crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child safe throughout the night, without the danger that they might be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without getting out of bed at the middle of the night. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical and comfortable for your infant baby and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have good breathability, with slats that are wide enough and open enough to let air flow. They also have an opening or window that can be folded up or down as needed. This makes it easier to nurse, change your baby, or check on them throughout the night. Some models also come with a swaddle sack to help you with a safe sleep routine.
It should be small and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the house. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket at the other end can be used to store extra nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use the mattress, while other require you to purchase one separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to match the bed's height. Especially if you're recovering from C-sections A bedside crib that has an adjustable height can give you a greater chance of getting in and out of bed with ease, especially during the early days of healing.
Some models have extra features that could be beneficial, such as tilting the tummy for reflux, or detachable to make a moses' basket and later a toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage, or comes with a bag. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to buy separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow them to monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of bed. They also help babies settle after c-section, or in the aftermath of other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and requirements. Be bedside crib that turns into cot of safety features and if you can lift your baby from the crib to feed or soothe them. Also, consider if the crib has any extras, such as rocking features. Also, consider bedside cot wooden and the height of your bed and check that any crib you select can be comfortably.
bedside cot wooden are less expensive than Moses Baskets, however they still have excellent features, including breathable mesh and see through sides, reflux incline option and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and has smart oak legs, so it's perfect for your bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold up, and comes with a convenient bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to let you touch your baby during the day, and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience however, they pop up again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, but one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use at first.
You must make sure that the bedding you choose to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There should not be gaps or other gaps, which could lead to suffocation. This is the reason that many cribs have an adjustable mattress, however sheets that are suitable for use at most stores. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they are likely to wear out and become worse with age, increasing the chance 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 rooms, or to take on vacation. 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 let you look at your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. However, it's important to note that official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby for the first six months - with a separate bed in the same space, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick, bedside cribs can include features that enhance their ease of use. For example, one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach inside and pick up your little one. This model has a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester stated that this gave her 'easy access" to soothe their child.
Some models have additional extras like a rocking function (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are beneficial in the event that your child suffers from a condition which causes reflux, but your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a fabric take into consideration how easy it will be to keep clean. Check if the fabric is 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.
Other factors to consider include how easy it is to assemble and how compact it is when folded away. 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 a tummy tilt or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older babies - this is a great option for traveling.