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 nighttime feeding. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love that this crib swivels 360deg to make it easy to access and comes with an adjustable mattress to match your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep your baby close throughout the night without putting them at risk of overheating or suffocating. They are attached to your bed, so you can reach out to help or feed your child in the middle night. They're also great for mums recovering after a c section. There are a lot of things to consider prior to purchasing one.
When shopping for a crib that is bedside, ensure you're buying a model that complies with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled due to the fact that they let children fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they could pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the latest 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 fall down. Instead, most models feature half-height walls, which still allow your baby to sleep close to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a little 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.
Check that the crib is securely affixed to your bed and that it is correctly secured. This is especially crucial if you plan 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 and Baby Awards.
It is important to keep in mind that a crib is meant for sleeping, and should not be used with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should only sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type of soft furnishings.
Comfort
bedside crib travel cot for your bed lets you keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the chance of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach out and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have good airflow, with slats that are wide enough and open enough to allow air flow. You can also move the window or door as you need. This makes it easy to change your baby's diapers, nurse him or check on them throughout the 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 home. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. bedside crib and travel cot on one end is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed for your specific model and is firm, flat and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height to ensure that it matches the height of your bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be extremely beneficial to you, especially if you recovering from a C section.
Certain models come with additional features that could be beneficial like tilting the tummy for reflux, or the ability to detach to make a moses' basket, and later a toddler playpen. Other things to consider are whether the crib rocks and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. Find out the price and what bedding is included with the crib. It is usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great option for mothers who are new. They allow them to monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of their bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from a C-section or any other medical issue such as colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib for you depends on your preferences and lifestyle. In addition to the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be able to lift your child out of the crib to feed them or comfort them, and if it has any additional features, such as a rocking function. Also, take a look at the size and height of your bed and ensure that the crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived - they're still packed with fantastic features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, reflux incline options and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with elegant oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy travel 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 day and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience However, they will come back up at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use initially.
You must ensure that the bedding used for a crib beside a bedside is fitted properly. There should be no gaps or other gaps, which could lead to suffocation. This is why a lot of cribs have mattresses that are fitted, but you can find suitable sheets at most retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses, which are prone to wear and degrade over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are lighter and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or to take along on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag so that you can easily take 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 danger of them rolling off your mattress or suffocating. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six month and then have a separate mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you select, bedside cribs could include features that enhance their convenience. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted in the height to make it easier to reach and pick up your child. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this provided her with 'easy access" to comfort their child.
Certain models come with additional features like the ability to rock (useful for fussy babies) or incline settings to help with reflux. These can be useful to use if your baby is suffering from an illness that causes reflux. However, keep in mind that your baby must rest on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a model, consider how easy it is to clean. Check if the fabric is machine washable and if it has a waterproof protector to keep away leaky nappies and drips. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet that allows you to wash and change it.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Make sure it's easy to connect to your bed and if it has a bag to use for travel. Also, think about if it comes with extras such as tilting the tummy or the option of turning it into a moses basket for older children - this is a great option for traveling.