Is Bedside Crib Co Sleeper The Same As Everyone Says?
Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close to you for fuss-free feeding at night A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the perfect choice. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home test subjects love that this crib rotates 360deg for easy access and features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep your baby close at night without the risk of suffocation or overheating. They can be attached to your bed, so you can reach out and comfort or feed your child in the middle night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. There are a lot of things to think about before purchasing one.
When shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're looking at a model that complies with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November of 2020.
The new rules forbid cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely drop down. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to lay beside your bed, but offer a more secure protection since they are a bit below your mattress. All models on our list are in compliance with these new standards. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Award 2017
It's also worth checking that the crib you're considering purchasing is able to attach securely to your bed and is anchored 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 move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in 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 bedding or accessories like blankets, pillows toys or stuffed animals. Official safe sleep advice from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only rest in their own bed space, in their own crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed will allow you to keep your child in close proximity throughout the night, without the possibility that they could be shared with other babies. This could increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach over to comfort your baby without having to get out of bed during the middle of the night. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, convenient and comfortable for your infant baby and babies up until 6 months old.
travel cot bedside crib offer good breathability with slats open and wide enough to let air flow. You can also move the door or window according to your needs. It is simple to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or check on them at night. Some models include a swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
You want a model that is light and compact when folded so it's easy to move around your home or transport to your destination. It is also easy to clean, with an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on the other side is useful to store nappies and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs come with a mattress and others you must purchase separately. Make sure the mattress is specifically designed for your model and is supple, flat and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it's in line with the size of your own bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be a great help to you, particularly when you are recovering from a C-section.
Certain models come with useful extras, such as an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket that can later be used as a toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage or comes with a bag. Find out the price and what bedding is included with the crib. It is usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They let them monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without having to get out of their bed. They also help babies settle after a c-section or when recovering from other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. Consider the safety features and if you are able to lift your baby from the crib to feed them or calm them. Also, make sure to check if the crib has any extras, like rocking capabilities. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that any crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, but they still have great features, such as the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, reflux incline option and an adjustable height. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect sleeper. It's available in three colors with elegant oak legs that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold up, and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be lower in the daytime to allow you to touch your baby and sleep in a safe manner however, they are raised at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use at first.
It is essential to make sure that the bedding you choose to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other openings which could cause suffocation. That's why many cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can find suitable sheets at a variety of retailers. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they may be worn out and degrade over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room room or to take along during holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag, so you can easily bring them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without worrying about them rolling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. However, it's important to keep in mind that the official guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your child for the first six months with a separate bed in the same room to lower the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model you select, bedside cribs could have features that add to their ease of use. For instance, one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height, making it easy for you to reach in and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester described as giving her "easy access" to comfort their infant.
Certain models include extra features like a rocking function (great for fussy babies), or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are useful in the event that your child suffers from a condition that can cause reflux, however, your newborn should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it is be to clean the model. Check whether the fabric can be washed by machine and if it has a waterproof mattress protector that protects you from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier for you to change and wash it.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly as well as the compactness when folded. Check if it's easy to connect to your bed, and if it comes with a bag to take it with you on your travels. Also, think about if it has additional features like tilting your tummy or the option of turning it into moses baskets for older children - this could be helpful for travel.