Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for an easy nighttime feeding, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the best option. They're a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love that the crib can rotate 360 degrees to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep your baby close during the night without risking suffocation or overheating. They attach to the sides of your bed, so you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your baby during the night, and they're suitable for mothers who are recovering from the c-section. However, there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.
When shopping for a bedside crib make sure you're looking at an item that is in line with current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Make sure the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be launched in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs will not be made with completely drop-down sides. Instead, the majority of models have half-height walls that allow your baby to lay next to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier by sinking a bit lower than the mattress. All of the models in our list comply with these new requirements and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
It's also worth checking that the crib you're considering purchasing is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is attached properly. This is particularly important if you intend 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's also important to keep in mind that a crib should only be used for sleeping and should never be used with any bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets, toys or animals that are stuffed. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type or soft furniture.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close during the night, without having to take the risk that they may be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without getting out of bed in the middle night. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, convenient and comfortable for your new baby and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models come with slats that are wide and open enough to allow air flow. They also come with a door and/or window that can be folded up or down depending on the need. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or check on their sleep at night. Some models also come with a swaddle sack to help you with a safe sleep routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded, so it's easy to move around your home or transport to your destination. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store spare baby clothes and nappies.
Some bedside cribs come with mattresses, while others must purchase separately. Make sure the mattress is designed for your specific model and is supple, flat and airy. Avoid using second-hand mattresses because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height so that it is in line with the height of your bed. twin bedside cot that can be adjusted in height could be extremely beneficial for you, particularly if you are recovering from a C-section.
Certain models have additional features that are useful, such as tilting the tummy for reflux, or detachable to transform into a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib is rocking and folds down so that it can lie flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth checking the price and the bedding included - it's often necessary to purchase separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New moms appreciate the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and changing nappy without getting out of the bed. They also help babies settle after c-section, or in the aftermath of other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
Choosing the best bedside crib for you depends on your needs and lifestyle. Be aware of safety features and whether you can lift your baby from the crib to feed or calm them. Also, make sure to check whether the crib comes with extras, like rocking features. Also, look at the size and the height of your bed and ensure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, but they still have amazing features, like air-tight mesh, see-through sides, an option for reflux incline and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs that fit into any bedroom. Plus, it's easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to allow you to touch your baby during the daytime and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience however, they appear again 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 had difficulty getting it to use at first.
Any bedding you use in a crib bed should be a good fit and should not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation dangers. Most cribs are equipped with a mattress. However sheets are available that will fit in the majority of retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores because they are likely to wear out and degrade with time increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them much easier to move from room to rooms, or to take on vacation. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit in a carry bag so that you can easily transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without worrying about them falling off the bed or suffocating. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend that you only sleep with them for the first six month and then have an additional mattress in the same space to minimize the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick the crib that you choose for your bed could have features that make it more practical. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test can swivel and is adjustable in the height to make it easier to reach and pick up your child. The model comes with a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester said that this provided her with gain access" to help their child.
Some models have extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are beneficial in the event that your child suffers from an illness that triggers reflux, however your infant should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Make sure the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector that can guard against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include the ease with which it can assemble and how compact when folded away. Make sure the bed is easy to attach and if there's an included bag to travel with. Consider if the product has extras such as a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when travelling.