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 to be close for a peaceful evening feeding. They are a safe 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 for easy access. bedside cot newborn comes with an adjustable mattress to match your bed. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a carry-on bag for traveling.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close at night without fear of suffocation. They attach to the side of your bed so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child during the night. They're suitable for mothers who are recovering from an op. However, there's a lot to think about before purchasing one.
When choosing a crib to put next to your bed, be sure that the crib you pick conforms to current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled due to the fact that they allow babies to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November 2020.
The new rules forbid cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to lie beside your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier since they are a bit below your mattress. All of our models 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.
Check that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is properly fixed. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system like 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 crucial to remember, too, that a crib is only designed for sleeping and should not be used with bedding or other items like toys, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals. The official safe sleep guidelines from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only rest in their own bed space, in their own crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or any other type of mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close by at night without the risk of bed-sharing which can increase the likelihood of SIDS. You can also reach out to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, convenient, and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies until 6 months old.
The best models feature good airflow and slats that are wide enough and open enough to allow air flow. They also have an opening or window that can be folded up or down depending on the need. It's easy to change the diaper of your baby, nurse them, or examine them at the end of the night. Some models also come with a swaddle sack to help you to have a secure sleep routine.
You want a mattress that is lightweight and compact when folded so it's easy to move around your home or take away with you. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one side is handy to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress and others you need to purchase separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm, and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to the height of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-section surgery A bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a greater chances of getting in and out of bed easily particularly in the early weeks when you're still recovering.
Certain models have additional features that could be beneficial for parents, like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or the ability to detach to make a moses' basket and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib is rocking and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. Check the price and see what bedding is included in the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
Bedside cribs are a fantastic option for new mums. They let them keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without getting out of their bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition like colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. Aside from the obvious safety features, think about whether you'd like to be able to lift your baby out of the crib to feed them or calm them and if it includes any additional features, such as the ability to rock. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're still loaded with fantastic features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, as well as reflux incline options and adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and comes with stylish oak legs, which means it's perfect for your bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold up, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lower in the daytime to allow you to hold your baby and sleep in a safe manner, but are raised again at 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 at first.
You should ensure that the bedding you use for a crib next to a bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other gaps, which could lead to suffocation. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they are likely to wear out and deteriorate with time and increase the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to transport from room to rooms, or to take when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning you can easily take them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without worrying about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend that you only sleep with them for the first 6 months and then have a separate mattress in the same room to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you choose, bedside cribs may feature features that increase their convenience. For example, one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height, making it easy for you to reach into the crib and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which an MFM home tester said gave her "easy access" to comfort their baby.
Some models come with extras like a rocking function (great for fussy babies) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful for children with an illness that can cause reflux, however, your baby should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a mattress protector with waterproof properties that will shield you from leaky nappies and infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet that makes it easier to change it and wash it.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to assemble and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with an included bag to travel with. Also, think about if it has extras like tilting your tummy or the option to turn it into moses baskets for older children - this is a great option for traveling.