Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great option if you want your baby close to you for a relaxed evening feeding. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love that this crib rotates 360deg for easy access and has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without fear of suffocation. They are attached to your bed, which means you can reach out to help or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from a c section. However, there's a lot to consider before you invest in one.
When looking for 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 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 choose meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be introduced in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, the majority of models have 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lay next to your bed but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than the mattress. All models on our list meet the new requirements. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards 2017
Verify that the crib is securely affixed to your bed, and that it is securely secured. This is particularly important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system, such as the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother and Baby Awards.
It's also important to remember that a crib should be used only to sleep and should not be used with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets, toys or animals that are stuffed. Official safe sleep advice from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only sleep in their own sleeping 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 allows you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of bed-sharing, which can increase the likelihood of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without getting out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies as young as 6 months old.
The top models offer excellent breathability with slats wide enough to allow air flow. They also come with windows or doors that you can roll up or down depending on the need. This makes it simple to nurse, change your baby, or check on them during the night. Some models also include an swaddle bag to assist you to have a secure sleep routine.
You'll want a mattress that is light and compact when folded, making it easy to move around your home or to take with you on your travels. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. The pocket at the other end can be used to store extra nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with mattresses, while others must purchase separately. Make sure that the mattress is firm, flat, and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to fit the bed's height. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be a great help for you, particularly in the event that you are recovering from a C section.
Some models include useful extras, such as a tummy-tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses bin which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage or comes with a bag. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic alternative for mothers who are just starting out. bedside crib travel allow them to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes, without getting out of the bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition like colic or reflux.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and needs. In addition to the obvious safety features, consider whether you'd like to be capable of lifting your child from the crib to feed them or soothe them, and if it has additional features like rocking functions. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, however they have amazing features, like breathable mesh and see through sides, an option for reflux incline and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and has smart oak legs, so it will fit right into your bedroom. Plus, it's easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered during the day to allow you to hold your baby and co-sleep safely however, they are raised at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home testers had difficulty getting it to use for the first time.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed must be fitted properly and must not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation risks. This is the reason that many cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most stores. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they may be worn out and degrade over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or take with you on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, meaning they are easy to take along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and newborns because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the fear of them falling off the mattress or getting suffocated. But, it's important to remember that the official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby for the first six months with an additional bed in the same room, to lower the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model you select, bedside cribs could feature features that increase their convenience. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test can swivel and can be adjusted in the height so that it is easier for you reach in and pick your child up. bedside travel crib has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester said gave her 'easy access' to soothe their baby.
Some models have additional extras, such as the ability to rock (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are useful to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux. However, remember that your newborn should rest on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it will to clean the model. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed and if it comes with a waterproof mattress protector, which will protect from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to put together and how compact when folded away. Be sure to check if the bed is simple to attach and if there's an included bag to carry it on the road. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as tilting the tummy or the possibility of turning it into a moses basket for older children - this is a great option for traveling.