What Is Bedside Crib Co Sleeper? And How To Use It
Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for the night without any fuss, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the best option. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the guidelines for safe sleep issued by the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favored among home testers since it is adjustable to match the bed's height, and it swivels all 360 degrees to make it easy to access. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close during the night without risk of suffocation. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach out and soothe or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from an c-section. But there's a lot to consider before you purchase one.
When you're looking for a bedside crib, make sure you're looking at one that meets current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past have been recalled because they permit children to fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they could pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure that the crib you choose meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November 2020.
The new rules forbid cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, most models feature half-height walls, which still allow your baby to lie next to your bed but provide a more protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than 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 Awards 2017
Check that the crib is securely attached to your bed and that it is correctly anchored. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system like the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother and Baby Awards.
It's important to remember, too, that a crib is intended for sleep and should not be used with bedding or accessories such as blankets, toys, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines that state that infants should sleep in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type of soft furniture.
Comfort
A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close at night without the threat of bed-sharing, which could increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and babies up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have slats that are wide and wide enough to allow air circulation. You can also roll up and down the door or window as you need. This makes it simple to nurse, change your baby or check on them throughout the night. Some models also include the swaddle sack, which can 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 to take with you on your travels. It must also be easy to clean, with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. The pocket at the other end can be used to store spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress and others you need to purchase separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed for your specific model and is firm, flat and airy. Avoid using second-hand mattresses, as they may increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to match the height of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a greater chance of getting in and out of bed with ease particularly in the early weeks when you're still healing.
Certain models come with additional features that could be beneficial like tilting the tummy for reflux, or detach to transform into a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib rocks, folds down to lie flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. 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 bed.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for mothers who are new. They allow them to monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes, without getting out of the bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a c-section or after recovering from other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
Choosing the best bedside crib for you depends on your needs and lifestyle. Be aware of safety features and whether you can remove your baby from the crib in order to feed them or calm them. Also, make sure to check whether the crib comes with extras, such as rocking capabilities. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to make sure that the crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are more affordable than Moses Baskets, however they do have some excellent features, including air-tight mesh, see-through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and comes with stylish oak legs, so it's perfect for your bedroom. It's also easy to assemble, fold and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered during the day to allow you to touch your baby and sleep safely and then raised at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, although one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to operate initially.
The bedding you put in a bedside crib must be fitted properly and must not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation dangers. This is why a lot of cribs come with mattresses that are fitted, but sheets that are suitable for use at most stores. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they will wear out and deteriorate with time, increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to transport from room to rooms, or to take on vacation. bedside cot wooden are small enough to fit into bags, so you can easily bring them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without worrying about them rolling off the mattress or suffocating. It's important to note that official safe sleep guidance 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 risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you select, bedside cribs could have features that add to their ease of use. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test is a swivel, and can be adjusted in the height so that it is easier to reach and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which an MFM home tester reported gave her 'easy access' to soothe their baby.
Some models come with extras like a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy), or incline settings that help with reflux. These can be useful to use if your baby is suffering from a condition that causes reflux but be aware that your baby should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
When selecting a model take into consideration how easy it will be to keep clean. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable and comes with a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet, which allows you to wash and change it.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to assemble and how compact when folded away. Consider whether it is simple to attach to your bed and if it has a bag to use to take it with you on your travels. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when travelling.