Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for fuss-free feeding at night, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the best option. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a popular choice by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to fit the bed's height, and it swivels all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep baby close by throughout the night without putting them at risk of suffocation or overheating. They attach to the side of your bed, so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child during the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from a c-section. There's plenty to think about before you purchase one.
When looking for a crib to put next to your bed, ensure that the model you choose meets current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Make sure the crib you are considering is compliant with the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November 2020.
The biggest change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs can not have drop-down sides. Instead, many models come with half-height walls that allow your baby to lie close to your bed, but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a little lower than your mattress. All of the models we have listed 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 properly. 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's also important to keep in mind that the crib should only be used to sleep and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories, like blankets, pillows, toys, or toys for stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines which state that babies should sleep only in their cribs or cots and not on an adult's bed, or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for your bed lets you keep your baby close by at night without the threat of bed-sharing which can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without having to get 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 infants up to 6 months old.
The best models feature good breathability, with slats that are wide enough to allow airflow. They also have windows or doors that you can roll up or down as needed. This makes it easy to change your baby's diapers, nurse him or check on them throughout the night. Some models include the swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
You'll want a mattress that is light and compact when folded, making it easy to move around your home or transport to your destination. It should also be easy to clean, with an easily washable and removable mattress cover. The pocket at one end can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.
bedside sleeper cot cots4tots.co.uk with a bed come with a mattress, while others have to buy separately. Ensure that the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid using second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it is in line with the height of your own bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be a great help for you, particularly when you recovering from a C-section.
Certain models come with useful extras, such as a tummy-tilt for reflux or a detachable moses' basket which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat to store, or comes with a bag. Find out the price and what bedding comes with the crib. It is often necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
New mums are enthralled by the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that allow them to keep an eye on baby during night feedings and diaper changes without having to get out of bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from C-section or any other medical issue such as colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib for your child is based on your requirements and lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be capable of lifting your baby out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it comes with any additional features, such as a rocking function. Also, consider the size and the height of your bed, and make sure that the crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets however don't be deceived - they're still packed with amazing features, including air-tight mesh and transparent sides, as well as reflux incline options and adjustable height. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It's available in three colors with stylish oak legs that make it a great fit for any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold and comes with a handy bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you hold your baby during the daytime and for safer co-sleeping, but then pop up again at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use initially.
It is essential to ensure that the bedding you use to make a crib bedside is fitted properly. There should not be gaps or other gaps, which could lead to suffocation. That's why many cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most stores. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they will wear out and degrade with time, increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room to room or take with you when you go on vacation. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit in the carry bag, so that you can easily take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and newborns because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the danger of them rolling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to note that official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep in a bed with your baby for the first six months with a separate bed in the same room, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Depending on which model you pick the bedside crib could come with features that make it more practical. For instance, one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy for you to reach into the crib and take your baby. The model comes with a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester said that this provided her with have a'simple access" to comfort their child.
Certain models come with additional features, such as a rocking function (useful for fussy babies) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These are helpful in the event that your child suffers from an illness that causes reflux, but your newborn should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a model be aware of how easy it is to keep clean. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet, which allows you to change and wash it.
Think about the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Check if it's simple to attach to your bed, and if it has a bag to use to take it with you on your travels. Check if the product comes with additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the capability to transform it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when travelling.