Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great option when you want your baby to be close for a peaceful nighttime feeding. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a popular choice among home testers since it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels a full 360 degrees for easy access. It folds up easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep baby close by throughout the night without putting them at risk of overheating or suffocating. They can be attached to the side of your bed, so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your baby during the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from the c-section. There are many things to consider prior to purchasing one.
When shopping for a bedside crib make sure you're choosing one that meets current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Check that your chosen model meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of this year.
The most significant change to the new rules is that bedside cribs can no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, the majority of models have 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lay next to your bed but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than your mattress. All of the models on our list conform to these new requirements, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Verify that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is correctly secured. This is particularly crucial if you plan 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 is intended for sleeping purposes and should not be used with bedding or accessories, such as pillows, blankets, toys or toys for stuffed animals. Official safe sleep advice from the Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only sleep in their own sleep space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or other type of mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which 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 an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical, and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies up until 6 months of age.
The top models offer good breathability with slats wide enough to let air flow. They also have an opening or window that can be folded up or down when needed. It is easy to change your baby's diaper or nurse them, or check on them at night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light in its fold so that it is easy to carry around the house. It should also be easy to clean, with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on the other side is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed for your specific model and is supple, flat and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height that it matches the height of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering C-sections A bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a greater chances of getting in and out of bed with ease particularly in the early weeks when you're still healing.
Certain models come with useful extras, such as the tummy-tilt feature for reflux or a detachable moses bin that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib is rocking, folds down to lie flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's often necessary to purchase additional sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
New mums appreciate the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside, which allow them to monitor baby during night feedings and diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition such as colic or reflux.
Choosing the best bedside crib for you depends on your needs and lifestyle. In addition to the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be able to lift your baby out of the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it includes any extras such as a rocking function. Also, consider the size and height of your bed and check that any crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're still loaded with great features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, as well as reflux incline options and adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to put together, fold and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to allow you to touch your baby during the day and for a safer co-sleeping environment However, they will 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 found it difficult to use at first.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed should be a good fit and not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation dangers. That's why many cribs come with an adjustable mattress, however sheets that are suitable for use at a variety of retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they are likely to wear out and become worse with age increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room room or take with you when you go on vacation. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit in a carry bag so that you can transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and babies because they allow you to see your baby at night without the danger of them falling off the mattress or getting suffocated. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six months and then have an additional mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.
Based on bedside cot wooden cotsfortots pick the bedside crib could include features that make it more practical. For example, one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach into the crib and pick up your little one. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester reported gave her 'easy access' to soothe their baby.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking function (great for babies who are fussy), or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby has a condition that causes reflux. However, keep in mind that your baby must rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a model, consider how easy it will be to keep clean. Check if the fabric is machine washable and comes with a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other things to consider are how easy it is to put together and how compact when folded away. Check if it's simple to attach to your bed and whether it comes with a bag for travel. Consider if the product has additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the possibility of converting it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when traveling.