Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
travel cot bedside crib is a great option for parents who want their baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a popular choice among home testers because it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels to 360 degrees to make it easy to access. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close during the night without fear of suffocation. They can be attached to the side of your bed, so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child during the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from the c-section. But there's a lot to consider before you invest in one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib, make sure you're choosing one that meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalled because they let children fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they could pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure the crib you select meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be introduced in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, the majority of models have half-height walls that allow your baby to lay close to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking slightly lower than the mattress. All of the models on our list conform to these new requirements, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
It's also worth checking that the crib you're looking at is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is attached properly. This is especially 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&Baby Awards.
It is important to keep in mind that a crib is only intended for sleep and should not be used with bedding or accessories such as blankets, toys, pillows, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep advice that states that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type or soft furniture.
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 likelihood of SIDS. You can also reach over to comfort your baby without getting out of bed in the middle night. 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 let air flow. You can also move the door or window depending on your needs. travel cot bedside crib to change the diaper of your baby, nurse them, or check on them at the end of the night. Some models even come with the swaddle sack, which can help you with a safe sleep 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 must also be easy to clean, and come with a a removable and washable mattress cover. A pocket on one end can be useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress, while others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is flat, firm and airy. Avoid using second-hand mattresses, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to fit the bed's height. Particularly if you're recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a greater chance of getting into and out of bed easily, especially during the early weeks when you're still healing.
Some models come with useful features, like the tummy-tilt feature to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses' basket that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage or comes with bags. It's also worth determining how much the model costs and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to buy separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
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 bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from C-section or any other medical issue like colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and needs. Aside from the obvious safety features, consider whether you want to be able to get your child from the crib to feed them or soothe them, and if it has any extras such as the ability to rock. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you pick can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you - they're still packed with amazing features, including the breathable mesh and clear sides, reflux incline options and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs to fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to put together, fold and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be removed during the day, allowing you to hold your baby and co-sleep safely however, they are raised at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, but one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
You should make sure that the bedding you choose for a crib beside a bed is properly fitted. There should not be gaps or other gaps, that could lead to an air suffocation. This is the reason that many cribs come with mattresses that are fitted, but you can purchase suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores as they can become worn out and deteriorate with time increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room to room or carry on holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into bags so that you can take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are a great option for parents and newborns as they let you see your baby at night without the fear of them falling off the 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 6 months and then have a separate mattress in the same room to decrease the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you choose the bedside crib could include features that make it more convenient. For example, one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height, making it easy for you to reach inside and pick up your little one. The model comes with a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester stated that this provided her with gain access" to help their child.
Some models have extra features like a rocking function (great for babies who are fussy), or incline settings to help with reflux. These are helpful in the event that your child suffers from a condition which can cause reflux, however, your baby should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a model be aware of how easy it is to keep clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet, which makes it easier to change and wash it.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Check if it's simple to attach to your bed and whether it has a bag to use for travel. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when travelling.