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 close by for fuss-free evening feeding. bedside cot newborn 're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love the fact that this crib rotates 360deg to make it easy to access and has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without risk of being suffocated. They can be attached to your bed so that you can reach out and soothe or feed your child in the middle night. They're also great for mums recovering after an c-section. But there's a lot to think about before purchasing one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib ensure you're buying an item that is in line with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were recalled because they permit children to fall through the 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 are considering meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of this year.
The new rules prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Most cribs have "half height walls that allow your child to lie next to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier since they are a bit beneath your mattress. All of the models we have listed comply with these new requirements 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 looking at is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is attached correctly. This is particularly important if you intend 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 and Baby Awards.
It is also important to remember that a crib should be used only for sleeping purposes and should not be used with bedding or accessories like blankets, pillows, toys, or stuffed animals. Official safe sleep advice from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only sleep in their own sleep space in their crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or any other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close at night without the threat of bed-sharing, which can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach out to soothe your baby without getting out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies up to 6 months old.
bedside cot used feature good breathability and slats that are open and wide enough to allow airflow. They also come with an opening or window that can be folded 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 include a swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
You 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 easy to clean. A pocket on one side is useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is firm, flat and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to fit the bed's height. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be extremely beneficial for you, particularly if you recovering from a C Section.
Certain models come with useful extras, like an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses' basket that can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat to store, or comes with a bag. It's also worth checking the price and the bedding included - it's usually necessary to purchase additional sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow mothers to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after c-section, or in the aftermath of other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib for your child is based on your needs and your lifestyle. Consider the safety features and whether you are able to take your baby out of the crib to feed them or calm them. Also, consider whether the crib is equipped with extras, like rocking features. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to make sure that the crib you pick can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, however they have amazing features, like breathable mesh and see through sides, reflux incline option and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and features stylish oak legs, so it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a handy travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lower during the day to allow you to hold your baby and sleep in a safe manner, but are raised again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, though one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.
It is essential to make sure that the bedding used for a crib beside a bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other openings which could lead to an air suffocation. bedside crib to cot is the reason that many cribs have mattresses that are fitted, but sheets that are suitable for use at most retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can become worn out and degrade with time increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to move from room to room, or to take when you go on vacation. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit into the carry bag, to allow you to transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for new babies and parents because they allow you to see your baby at night without the fear of them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to keep in mind that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your child for the first six months - with an additional bed in the same space, to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick the bedside crib could include features that make it more practical. 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 sidewall of this model which dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this gave her gain access" to soothe their child.
Some models have extra features such as a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings that help with reflux. These are useful to use if your baby is suffering from a condition that causes reflux, but keep in mind that your baby must rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it will to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if it has a waterproof mattress protector, which will protect from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Think about the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Check if the bed is easy to attach and if there's an included bag to travel with. Lastly, consider if it has extras like tilting your tummy or the option of turning it into a moses basket for older babies - this can be useful for travelling.