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 with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the perfect choice. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favored by home testers due to the fact that it is adjustable to match your bed height and swivels a full 360 degrees to make it easy to access. It is also easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great way to keep your baby close during the night without risking overheating or suffocating. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach out and help or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from a c section. There are many things to consider prior to purchasing one.
When looking for an appropriate crib to be placed next to your bed, ensure that the model you choose conforms to current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were recalled because they permit children to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they could pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment. Check that the crib you pick meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be launched in November 2020.
The biggest change in the new rules is that bedside cribs can not have drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to lie on your bed, but offer a more secure barrier as they sink beneath your mattress. All of the models on our list meet the new standards and include the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
Check that the crib is securely affixed to your bed, and that it is securely secured. This is especially crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper such as the freestanding 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 in conjunction with bedding or other accessories, like blankets, pillows, toys or animals that are stuffed. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines which state that babies should sleep only in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type of soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close at night without the risk of bed-sharing which can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without having to get 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 infants up to 6 months old.
The best models feature good airflow, with slats that are open and wide enough to allow airflow. They also have windows or doors that you can roll up or down depending on the need. This makes it easier to change your baby's diapers, nurse him or monitor them throughout 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 house. It is also easy to clean, with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. The pocket at one end can be used to store extra baby clothes and nappies.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress and others you have to buy separately. Be sure the mattress is firm, flat, and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height so that it is in line with the height of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering from C-section surgery, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height can give you a better chances of getting in and out of bed with ease, especially during the early weeks of recovering.
Some models come with useful extras, such as an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or a detachable moses basket which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat to store, or comes with bags. Look at the cost and find out what bedding is included in the crib. It is often necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
New moms appreciate the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside, which allow them to keep an eye on baby during night feedings and changing nappy without having to get out of the bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from C-section or any other medical issue such as colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib for your child is based on your needs and your lifestyle. Aside from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you'd like to be capable of lifting your child out of the crib to feed them or calm them, and if it has any extras such as the ability to rock. Check describes it and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, but they still have great features, such as the breathable mesh, the 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 both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with elegant oak legs that make it a great fit for any bedroom. Plus, it's easy to put together and fold, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to allow you to touch your baby during the day, and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience However, they will pop up again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, but one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use initially.
You should make sure that the bedding you choose for a crib next to a bedside is fitted properly. There should not be gaps or other openings, which could cause the suffocation. A majority of cribs come with a mattress. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores as they can become worn out and degrade with time and increase 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 when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit in the carry bag, meaning you can easily bring them to short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to see your baby without having to worry about them rolling 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 6 months with an additional mattress in the same space to minimize the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model you select, bedside cribs could have features that add to their convenience. For example one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts its height to make it easy to reach into the crib and take your baby. This model has a sidewall that dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this gave her have a'simple access" to comfort their child.
Certain models come with additional features for example, a rocking function (useful for fussy babies) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux. However, be aware that your baby should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Make sure amazon bedside cot is machine washable and if it has a waterproof protector that can guard against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use an upholstered sheet, which makes it easier to change and wash it.
Take into consideration the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Consider whether it is easy to connect to your bed, and if it comes with a bag for travelling. Also, think about if it has additional features like tilting your tummy or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older children. This can be useful for travelling.