Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib with a co-sleeper is a great choice for parents who want their baby close to you for a relaxed evening feeding. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favorite among home testers because it can be adjusted to fit your bed's height and rotates to 360 degrees for easy access. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs allow you to keep your baby close during the night without the risk of suffocation. They can be attached to your bed, which means you can reach out and comfort or feed your child in the middle night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from having a 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. Many older cribs have been recalled due to the fact that they permit children to fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Be sure that the crib you choose is compliant with the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be launched in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit bedside cribs from having sides that completely drop down. Most cribs have "half height walls that allow your child to lie on your bed, but offer a more secure barrier since they are a bit below your mattress. All models on our list meet the 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
It's also worth checking that the crib you're looking at is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is secured properly. This is particularly important if you plan to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, such as the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It is important to remember that a crib is only designed for sleeping and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or other accessories like pillows, blankets, toys or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines that state that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on an adult's bed, or any other type or soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close at night without the risk of bed-sharing, which can 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, practical and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models feature good airflow, with slats that are wide enough to let air flow. You can also move the door or window according to your needs. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby, nurse them, or check on them at the end of the night. Some models also include the swaddle sack, which can help you with a safe sleep routine.
It should be compact and light when folded so that it is easy to transport around the house. It must also be easy to clean, with a an easily washable and removable mattress cover. A pocket on one side can be useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure travel cot bedside is designed for your specific model and is supple, flat and breathable. Avoid using second-hand mattresses because they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to fit the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering a C-section A bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a greater chance of getting into and out of bed quickly particularly in the early weeks of healing.
Certain models have additional features that can be useful like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or detach to become a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, can be folded flat for storage or comes with a bag. Check the price and see what bedding is included with the crib. It is common to purchase separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
New mothers love the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside, which allow them to monitor their baby during night feedings and changing nappy without having to get out of bed. They also help babies settle after a csection or in the aftermath of other medical conditions such as reflux or colic.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and requirements. Be aware of safety features and if you will be able remove your baby from the crib to feed or calm them. Also, consider whether the crib is equipped with additional features, like a rocking feature. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that any crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, however they do have some amazing features, like breathable mesh and see through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with stylish oak legs that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble, fold and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to allow you to touch your baby during the day and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience however, they come back up at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, though one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use at first.
You should ensure that the bedding used to make a crib bed is properly fitted. There shouldn't be gaps or other openings which could cause an air suffocation. A majority of cribs come with mattresses. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. It is a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses as they can be worn down and degrade over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also more lightweight and portable than Moses baskets, making them easier to move from room to room or to take along during holidays. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit in bags so that you can transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without having to worry about them rolling off the bed or suffocating. It's important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first 6 months, with an additional mattress in the same space to minimize the risk of SIDS.
Based on the model you choose, bedside cribs may include features that enhance their convenience. For example, one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests swivels and adjusts height so it's easy to reach inside and take your baby. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester said that this gave her have a'simple access" to help their child.
Certain models include extra features such as a rocking feature (great for babies with a lot of fuss), or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are useful for children with a condition that can cause reflux, however, your newborn should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a fabric take into consideration how easy it is to clean. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable and if it has a waterproof protector that can keep away leaky nappies and dribbles. Some cribs come with fitted sheets that make it easier to wash and change.
Other factors to consider include how easy it is to build and how compact it is when folded away. Consider whether it is easy to connect to your bed and if it has a bag to use for travelling. Lastly, consider if it comes with extras such as tilting the tummy or the option to turn it into moses baskets for older children. This can be useful for travelling.