Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great choice for parents who want their baby close by for fuss-free nighttime feeding. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love the fact that this crib rotates 360deg to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It folds up easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close during the night without the risk of suffocation. They attach to your bed, so you can reach out to comfort or feed your child in the middle night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from having a c-section. There are a lot of things to consider before investing in one.
If you're searching for a crib to place beside your bed, make sure that the crib you pick conforms to current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled because they allow babies to fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they could pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. 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 prohibit bedside cribs from having sides that completely fall down. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to lie on your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier as they sink below the mattress. All of our models meet these 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.
It's also worth checking that the crib you're considering purchasing is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is anchored correctly. This is especially crucial if you plan 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&Baby Awards.
It is important to remember, too, that a crib is only intended for sleep and should not be used with bedding or accessories such as blankets, toys, pillows or stuffed animals. Official advice for safe sleep from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that infants should only rest in their own bed space in their crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other type of mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close by at night without the risk of bed-sharing, which can increase the risk of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and soothe your baby during the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies until 6 months of age.
The best models come with slats that are wide and open enough to allow for airflow. They also come with an opening or window that can be folded up or down when needed. This makes it easy to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or check on them during the night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
You want a model that is lightweight and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around the house or take away with you. It is also easy to clean, and come with a a removable and washable mattress cover. The pocket at the other end can be used to store spare baby clothes and nappies.
Some bedside cribs include mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure the mattress is firm, flat, and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to the height of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from a C-section A bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a greater chances of getting in and out of bed with ease particularly in the early weeks of healing.
Some models include useful extras, such as the tummy-tilt feature for reflux or a detachable moses bin which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib rocks and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage, or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth checking how much the model costs and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to buy separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
New moms are enthralled by the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to monitor baby during feedings at night and nappy changes without having to get out of bed. bedside baby sleeper can also be useful in helping babies recover from C-section or any other medical issue like reflux or colic.
Choosing the best bedside crib is contingent on your requirements and your lifestyle. Be aware of safety features and whether you can lift your baby from the crib in order to feed them or calm them. Also, make sure to check whether the crib comes with extras, like a rocking feature. Also, consider the dimensions and the height of your bed and check that any crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically cheaper than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you they're still loaded with great features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, reflux incline options and adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with stylish oak legs that fit into any bedroom. Additionally, it's 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 lowered down to let you touch your baby during the daytime and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience, but then come back up at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, but one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use at first.
You should make sure that the bedding you choose for a crib beside a bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other openings, that could lead to suffocation. Most cribs are equipped with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that are suitable for most stores. It is a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they may be worn out and degrade over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room to space, or take when you go on vacation. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit into a carry bag to allow you to take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without worrying about them falling off the bed or suffocating. But, it's important to note that official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your child for the first six months - with an additional bed in the same space, to lower the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you pick, bedside cribs can feature features that increase their ease of use. One of the top-rated cribs in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted in height to make it easier to reach and pick up your child. The model comes with a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester stated that this gave her 'easy access" to soothe their child.
Some models come with extras like a rocking feature (great for fussy babies) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby suffers from a condition that causes reflux but remember that your newborn should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a model take into consideration the ease to clean. Check if the fabric is machine washable and if it has a waterproof protector that can protect against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other things to consider are the ease with which it can assemble and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure the bed is easy to attach and if there's bags included to carry it on the road. Additionally, take note of whether it comes with extras such as tilting your tummy or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older babies - this could be helpful for travel.