Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a fantastic option if you want your baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. They're a safer 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 favored by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to suit the bed's height, and it swivels a full 360 degrees for easy access. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close at night without fear of being suffocated. They attach to your bed, so you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from having a c-section. However, there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.
If you're choosing an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, be sure that the model you choose meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalled because they permit children to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure the crib you are considering is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of this year.
The biggest change in the new rules is that bedside cribs can no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, many models come with half-height walls, which still allow your baby to lay next to your bed but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a little lower than the mattress. All of the models we have listed meet the new standards and include 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 considering is able to attach securely to your bed and is anchored properly. This is especially crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper such as 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 important to remember that a crib is only intended for sleep and should not be used with bedding or other items like pillows, blankets, toys or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should sleep in their cribs or cots and not on an adult's bed, or any other type or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child close at night, without the danger that they might be shared with other babies. This can increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without having to get out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, convenient, and comfortable for your new baby and babies up until 6 months old.
The best models have slats which are wide and spacious enough to allow air circulation. They also come with a door and/or window that you can roll up or down as needed. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby and nurse them or examine their sleep at night. Some models also include an swaddle bag to assist you sleep in a safe routine.
It should be small and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the home. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on the other side can be useful to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include a mattress, while others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure that the mattress is firm, flat, and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it's in line with the size of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering C-sections, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a greater chance of getting in and out of bed with ease, especially during the early days of recovering.
Some models have extra features that could be beneficial, such as a tummy tilt for reflux, or the ability to detach to make a moses' basket, and later a toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage, or comes with bags. 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 bed.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow them to monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of the bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a c-section or after recovering from other medical conditions like reflux or colic.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and needs. Take into consideration the safety features and if you will be able take your baby out of the crib in order to feed or soothe them. Also, check if the crib has any extras, such as a rocking feature. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you - they're still packed with amazing features, including air-tight mesh and transparent sides, reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. large bedside cot 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. Plus, it's easy to fold and assemble, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you touch your baby during the day and for a safer co-sleeping environment, but then come back up at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.
It is essential to ensure that the bedding used for a crib next to a bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other gaps, that could lead to suffocation. This is the reason that many cribs have mattresses that are fitted, but you can find suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can become worn out and become worse with age increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room to room or take with you during holidays. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit in the carry bag, so that you can easily take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you observe your baby without worrying about 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 months and then have a separate mattress in the same space to minimize the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model you pick, bedside cribs can feature features that increase their ease of use. One of the best 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 your child up. The model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which an MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to soothe their baby.
Some models include additional features like the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or incline settings to help with 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 avoid suffocation and overheating.
When choosing a model be aware of the ease to clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if it has a mattress protector that is waterproof, which will protect from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier for you to wash and change it.
Consider the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Consider whether foldable bedside crib is easy to connect to your bed, and if it comes with a bag for travelling. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as tilting the tummy or the option of turning it into moses baskets for older children. This can be useful for travelling.