Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If foldable bedside crib looking to keep your baby close to you for the night without any fuss A crib that is positioned at the bedside is the perfect choice. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love that this crib rotates 360deg to make it easy to access and has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close to you at night without the risk of suffocation. They attach to your bed, which means 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 invest in one.
If you're shopping for a crib that is bedside, ensure you're buying an item that is in line with current safety standards. A number of cribs from the past were removed due to the risk of strangulation, or entrapment, posed by the gaps between the mattress as well as the sides of the crib. Make sure the crib you pick is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which is scheduled to be in place in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs may not have drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to sleep on your bed, but provide a more protective barrier since they are a bit beneath the mattress. All of the models in our list comply with these new requirements, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Verify that the crib is securely affixed to your bed, and that it is properly secured. This is especially crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper, like the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby awards.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a crib is designed for sleeping and is not meant to be used with bedding or other accessories like blankets, toys, pillows or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines which state that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child in close proximity during the night, without having to take the risk that they may be shared with another baby. This could increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and babies up to 6 months old.
The top models offer good breathability with slats wide enough to allow airflow. They also have a door and/or window that you can roll up or down depending on the need. It's easy to change your baby's diaper and nurse them or check on their sleep at night. Some models also come with an swaddle bag to assist you to have a secure sleep routine.
You want a mattress that is light and compact when folded so it's easy to move around your home or take away with you. The mattress cover must be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store spare diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress, while others must purchase separately. Make sure that the mattress is flat, firm, and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find travel bedside crib that can be adjusted to the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering C-section surgery, a bedside crib with an adjustable height can give you a greater chances of getting in and out of bed with ease especially in the initial weeks when you're still healing.
Some models come with useful extras, such as an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses bin which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat for storage, or comes with a bag. It's also worth determining the price and the bedding included - it's usually necessary to purchase additional sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
New mums are enthralled by the convenience of bedside cribs that let them monitor their baby during night feedings and changing nappy without getting out of bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after c-section, or when recovering from other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.
Choosing the best bedside crib for your child is based on your needs and your lifestyle. Apart from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be capable of lifting your child out of the crib to feed them or soothe them and if it comes with any additional features, such as a rocking function. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that any crib you choose can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're packed with fantastic features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, reflux incline options and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and has smart oak legs, which means it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold, and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to let you hold your baby during the day and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience However, they will come back up at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use at first.
The bedding you put in a bedside crib must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation dangers. Most cribs are equipped with mattresses. However sheets are available that are suitable for most stores. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they can be worn down and deteriorate over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room room or take with you on holidays. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit in bags, so you can easily take them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you observe your baby without worrying about them rolling off the mattress or suffocating. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest that you only sleep with them for the first six months and then have a separate mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model you select, bedside cribs could include features that enhance their ease of use. For instance, one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts its height to make it easy to reach in and take your baby. The sidewall of this model which dips down. One MFM home tester said that this provided her with 'easy access" to help their child.
Some models include additional features like a rocking feature (useful for babies who are fussy) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These are helpful in the event that your child suffers from an illness that triggers reflux, however your newborn should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a model take into consideration how easy it is to clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable, and if it comes with a waterproof protector to protect against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs with a bedside have an upholstered sheet, which allows you to change and wash it.
Consider the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Make sure it's easy to attach to your bed, and if it has a bag to use to take it with you on your travels. Also, think about if it comes with extras such as tilting the tummy or the option of turning it into a moses basket for older babies - this could be helpful for travel.