Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close to you for an easy nighttime feeding A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the ideal choice. These co-sleepers offer a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favorite among home testers since it can be adjusted to suit the bed's height, and it swivels to 360 degrees for easy access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep your baby close at night without the risk of suffocation or overheating. They attach to your bed, which means you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from an c-section. However, there's a lot to consider before purchasing one.
If you're looking for an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, ensure that the model you choose conforms to current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Make sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November of 2020.
The new rules forbid cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to lie next to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier as they sink beneath the mattress. All of the models on our list meet the new standards, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Make sure that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is correctly anchored. This is especially important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleep 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 the crib should only be used for sleeping and should never be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories like blankets, pillows toys, or animals that are stuffed. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type of soft furniture.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close during the night, without having to take the danger that they might be shared with another baby. This could increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to comfort your baby without getting out of bed in the middle night. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, easy to use and comfortable for your infant baby and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models have slats which are wide and spacious enough to allow for air flow. You can also move the window or door as you need. It is simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on their sleep at night. Some models include an swaddle bag that can assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded so that it is easy to carry around the home. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra baby clothes and nappies.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress and others you need to purchase separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is specifically designed for your model and is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid using second-hand mattresses because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height so that it is in line with the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering a C-section, a bedside crib with an adjustable height will give you a better chances of getting in and out of bed with ease particularly in the early days of healing.
Some models come with useful extras, like a tummy-tilt for reflux or a detachable moses basket that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rock and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and the bedding included - it's usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's crib.
bedside cot newborn are enthralled by the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that allow them to monitor their baby during night feeds and nappy changes without having to get out of bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from c-section or other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
Choosing bedside cot used for you depends on your needs and your lifestyle. Be aware of safety features and if you will be able take your baby out of the crib to feed or calm them. Also, check whether the crib comes with additional features, like rocking features. Also, consider the dimensions and the height of your bed, and check that any crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived - they're still packed with fantastic features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and has smart oak legs, which means it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also simple to put together, fold and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to let you touch your baby during the daytime and for safer co-sleeping however, they 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 for the first time.
You should ensure that the bedding you choose for a crib next to a bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other gaps, which could lead to an air suffocation. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that fit in most retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they will wear out and deteriorate with time increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or carry when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit in bags, so you can easily bring them to short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and babies as they let you see your baby at night without the danger of them rolling off your mattress or suffocating. However, it's important to note that 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 space, to lower 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 can swivel and is adjustable in the height to make it easier for you reach in and pick up your child. This model has a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester stated that this provided her with gain access" to comfort their child.
Certain models come with additional features for example, a rocking function (useful for fussy babies) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful in the event that your child suffers from a condition which triggers reflux, however your newborn should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a fabric, consider how easy it is to keep clean. Make sure the fabric can be washed by machine and if there's a waterproof mattress protector that protects you from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include the ease with which it can put together and how compact when folded away. Check if it's easy to connect to your bed and whether it comes with a bag for travelling. Lastly, consider if it has extras like tilting your tummy or the possibility of turning it into a moses basket for older children - this could be helpful for travel.