Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you want to keep your baby close for an easy nighttime feeding, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the ideal choice. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They are based on the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favored among home testers since it is adjustable to match your bed height and swivels to 360 degrees for easy access. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep your baby close during the night without risking suffocation or overheating. They attach to your bed so that you can reach out and help or feed your child in the middle night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. However, there's a lot to think about before you purchase one.
If you are searching for a crib to place beside your bed, ensure that the crib you select meets current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were recalls due to the danger of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Make sure cot for bedside pick meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which will be launched in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs will not have drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to sleep on your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier as they sink below the mattress. All of our models meet these new requirements. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards 2017
Verify that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is correctly fixed. 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 is crucial to remember, too, that a crib is only intended for sleep and is not meant to be used with bedding or other accessories like toys, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animal. Official advice for safe sleep 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 allows you to keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing which can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without getting out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for your newborn and babies up to 6 months old.
The top models offer good airflow with slats wide enough to let air flow. You can also roll up and down the door or window depending on your needs. It is easy to change your baby's diaper or nurse them, or examine their sleep at the end of the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can help you create a safe sleeping routine.
It should be small and light when folded, so that it is easy to transport around the house. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. The pocket at the other end can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include the mattress, while other require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is flat, firm and breathable. Avoid using second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Choose a crib that has an adjustable height that it matches the height of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be extremely beneficial to you, particularly in the event that you recovering from a C-section.
Certain models have additional features that could be beneficial like a tummy tilt for reflux, or detachable to make a moses' basket and later toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib rock, folds down to lie flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. Look at the cost and find out what bedding comes with the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They let them monitor their infant at night and during diaper changes without having to get out of their bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from c-section or other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib for your child is based on your preferences and your lifestyle. Take into consideration the safety features and whether you are able to lift your baby from the crib to feed them or calm them. Also, make sure to check whether the crib comes with extras, such as rocking capabilities. Also, take a look at the size and the height of your bed, and ensure that the crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they have great features, such as the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, incline options for reflux and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and features stylish oak legs, so it will fit right into your bedroom. Plus, it's easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be lowered in the daytime to allow you to touch your baby and sleep in a safe manner however, they are raised 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 found it difficult to use for the first time.
You must ensure that the bedding you use to make a crib bedside is fitted properly. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings, that could lead to the suffocation. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that fit in most retailers. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they are prone to wear and deteriorate over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to move from room to rooms, or to take on vacation. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, meaning you can easily take them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to observe your baby without worrying about them falling off the bed or suffocating. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first 6 months with an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you pick, the bedside crib may come with features that make it more comfortable. For instance, one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height, making it easy to reach in and pick up your child. The model also has a sidewall that dips down, which an MFM home tester described as giving her "easy access" to comfort their baby.
Some models come with extras like a rocking function (great for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings that help with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux. However, be aware that your baby should sleep on a flat and firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Check whether the fabric can be machine washed and if there's a waterproof mattress protector that will shield you from leaky nappies, baby sick or dribbles. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other factors to consider include how easy it is to assemble and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure it is easy to put together and if it comes with a bag included to carry it on the road. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as tilting your tummy or the possibility of turning it into a moses basket for older children. This is a great option for traveling.