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 bedside crib co-sleeper is the perfect choice. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They follow strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home testers love the fact that this crib swivels 360deg to make it easy to access and comes with an adjustable mattress to fit your bed. It is also easy to fold up and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close at night without risk of being suffocated. They can be attached to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your infant during the night. They're suitable for mothers who are recovering from an op. There are a variety of factors to think about before purchasing one.
When shopping for a bedside crib ensure you're buying a model that complies with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that 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 the crib you pick meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be introduced in November 2020.
The new regulations 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 lay close to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than your mattress. All of the models we have listed meet the new standards and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Check that bedside cot mattress is securely attached to your bed and that it is properly secured. This is especially 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's also important to remember that a crib should be used only for sleeping and should never be used with any bedding or accessories, like blankets, pillows, toys, or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep advice that states that infants should sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type of soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing which can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to comfort your baby without getting out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and babies up to 6 months old.
The best models feature good breathability, with slats that are wide enough and open enough to allow airflow. They also come with a door and/or window that can be folded up or down as needed. This makes it easy to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or monitor them throughout the night. Some models come with the swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
You want a mattress that is lightweight 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. The pocket at the other end can be used to store extra baby clothes and nappies.
Some bedside cribs include a mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed specifically for your model and is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to fit the height of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be extremely beneficial for you, particularly when you are recovering from a C section.
Some models come with useful extras, like an adjustable 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 or folds down to lay flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth looking into how much the model costs and what bedding is included - it's often necessary to purchase additional sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New mothers love the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to monitor baby during night feeds and nappy changes without getting out of the bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from a C-section or any other medical issue like reflux or colic.
Choosing the right bedside crib for you depends on your needs and your lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be able to get your child out of the crib to feed them or comfort them, and if it has additional features like rocking functions. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that the crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically more affordable than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled - they're still packed with great features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs to be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lower during the day to allow you to hold your baby and co-sleep safely and then raised at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use for the first time.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation dangers. This is why a lot of cribs come with a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they can become worn out and degrade with time, increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to move from room to rooms, or to take on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag, so they are easy to take with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without worrying about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's 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 an additional mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model you choose, bedside cribs may have features that add to their convenience. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test can swivel and can be adjusted in the height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester reported gave her "easy access" to hold their infant.
Some models include additional features for example, the ability to rock (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux but keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When choosing a model be aware of the ease to clean. Check if the fabric is machine washable and if it comes with a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other factors to consider include how easy it is to build and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure it is easy to put together and if it comes with an included bag to travel with. Also, think about if it comes with extras such as tilting the tummy or the option to turn it into moses baskets for older babies - this can be useful for travelling.