Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great choice if you want your baby close by for fuss-free nighttime feeding. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They follow official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home testers love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees for easy access and has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without fear of suffocation. They attach to the sides of your bed so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your child during the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. There's plenty to consider before purchasing one.
If you are searching for a crib to put next to your bed, ensure that the crib you select meets current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled due to the fact that they allow babies to fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November 2020.
The new rules forbid bedside cribs from having sides that completely fall down. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to sleep next to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier because they sink a little below your mattress. All of the models on our list meet the new standards 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 worth checking if the crib you're considering purchasing is able to attach securely to your bed and is secured properly. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system, such as the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a crib is only intended for sleep and is not meant to be used with bedding or other accessories like pillows, blankets, toys or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other kind of soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child safe throughout the night, without the risk that they may be sharing a crib with another infant. This can increase the chance 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 up. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies as young as 6 months old.
The most effective models have slats which are wide and open enough to allow for air flow. You can also roll up and down the door or window as you need. It's easy to change your baby's diaper or nurse them, or monitor them at night. Some models even come with an swaddle bag to assist you with a safe sleep routine.
You'll want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded, making it easy to move around the house or to take with you on your travels. It should also be easy to clean, with the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. A pocket on one end is useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, while others must purchase separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height that it's in line with the size of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height can be a great help for you, particularly when you are recovering from a C-section.
Certain models come with additional features that can be useful, such as tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or the ability to detach to make a moses' basket and later toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib is rocking, folds down to lie flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. Find out the price and what bedding is included in the crib. It is usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
bedside crib travel are a great option for new mums. They let them monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without getting out of their bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition like colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and needs. Take into consideration the safety features and whether you are able to remove your baby from the crib in order to feed them or soothe them. Also, check if the crib has any extras, such as rocking capabilities. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that any crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, but they have great features, such as the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, reflux incline option and 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 different colors with elegant oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to let you touch your baby during the day, and for a safer co-sleeping environment however, they come back up at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use for the first time.
The bedding you put in a bedside crib must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation dangers. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However sheets are available that will fit in the majority of retailers. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they may be worn out and deteriorate over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room room, or to take when you go on trips on. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, meaning you can easily bring them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and babies because they allow you to see your baby at night without the risk of them falling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. However, it's important to remember that the official safety guidelines for 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 reduce the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you choose, bedside cribs may feature features that increase their ease of use. For example one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach into the crib and pick up your little one. The model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which an MFM home tester reported gave her 'easy access' to soothe their baby.
Certain models come with additional features for example, a rocking function (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These can be useful to use if your baby is suffering from an illness that causes reflux, but remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Consider the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Check if the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with an included bag to carry it on the road. Lastly, consider if it has additional features like tilting the tummy or the possibility of turning it into a moses basket for older children - this could be helpful for travel.