5 Must-Know Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Practices For 2024
Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great option if you want your baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, based on official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home test subjects love that this crib swivels 360deg to make it easy to access and has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep your baby close at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They attach to the side of your bed so that you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your infant in the middle of the night. They're also ideal for mums recovering from the c-section. There are a lot of things to think about before purchasing one.
When looking for an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, ensure that the model you choose meets current safety standards. Many older cribs have been recalled because they permit children to fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure the crib you select meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be launched in November 2020.
The biggest change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs may no longer have completely drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to sleep beside your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier since they are a bit below your mattress. All of the models on our list conform to these new requirements which includes 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 looking at is able to attach securely to your bed and is secured properly. This is especially important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper, such as the free-standing Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby awards.
bedside cot wooden 's also important to remember that a crib should only be used to sleep and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories like blankets, pillows, toys, or stuffed animals. Official advice for safe sleep from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only sleep in their own sleep space in their crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or any other mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the likelihood of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without getting out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a safe, practical and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies up to 6 months old.
The best models feature excellent breathability, with slats that are wide enough to allow air flow. They also feature an opening or window that can be folded up or down when needed. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or examine their sleep at the end of the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the home. It must also be easy to clean, with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. The pocket at one end can be used to store extra baby clothes and nappies.
Some cribs with a bedside include a mattress, while others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Ensure that the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is supple, flat and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to the bed's height. Particularly if you're recovering C-sections A bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a better chance of getting into and out of bed quickly, especially during the early weeks of recovering.
Some models come with useful extras, like 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 rock, folds down to lie flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. It's also worth determining the cost of the crib and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to purchase additional sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for new mums. They allow mothers to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes, without getting out of their bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a c-section or in the aftermath of other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and needs. Apart from the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be able to get your child out of the crib to feed them or calm them, and if it has any extras such as a rocking function. Also, look at the dimensions and the height of your bed, and make sure that the crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're still loaded with amazing features, including the breathable mesh and clear sides, reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and features stylish oak legs, so it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be removed in the daytime to allow you to touch your baby and co-sleep safely however, they are raised at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, but one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use at first.
The bedding you choose to use in a crib for bed must fit properly and must not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation risks. This is why a lot of cribs come with a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most retailers. It is a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they can be worn down and degrade over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room room or to take along when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit into a carry bag, so you can easily take them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It's important to keep in mind that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your baby for the first six months - with an additional bed in the same room to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you pick, bedside cribs can have features that add to their convenience. For instance, one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach in and take your baby. The model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which an MFM home tester said gave her 'easy access' to comfort their baby.
Some models have extra features like a rocking feature (great for fussy babies) or incline settings that help with reflux. These are useful in the event that your child suffers from a condition which triggers reflux, however your newborn should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it is be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washed and if it comes with a mattress protector with waterproof properties that protects you from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs have fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other things to consider are how easy it is to put together and how compact when folded away. Check if the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with bags included to carry it on the road. Additionally, take note of whether it has additional features like a tummy tilt or the option to turn it into moses baskets for older children. This can be useful for travelling.