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Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great option when you want your baby close to you for a relaxed evening feeding. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love the fact that the crib can rotate 360 degrees to make it easy to access and features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. 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 bedside sleeper close during the night without risk of suffocation. They can be attached to the side of your bed, so you can easily reach out to feed or soothe your child in the middle of the night. They're perfect for mothers recovering from the c-section. There are many things to consider before investing in one.
If you are searching for a crib to put next to your bed, ensure that the model you choose conforms to current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress, the sides and the crib. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement that was released in November of this year.
The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs will not have drop-down sides. Instead, the majority of models have 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to sleep next to your bed but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a little lower than the mattress. All of the models in our list conform to these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago both of which were shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
Make sure that the crib is securely affixed to your bed and that it is properly secured. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sidecar sleeper, such as the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It's important to remember that a crib is only designed for sleeping and is not meant to be used with bedding or accessories such as blankets, toys, pillows, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP, have issued official safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should only sleep in their crib or cot and not on an adult's bed, or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for your bed lets you keep your baby close by at night without the threat of bed-sharing, which can increase the chance of SIDS. It is also a way to easily reach over and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models feature good breathability and slats that are wide enough and open enough to let air flow. You can also roll up and down the door or window depending on your needs. It's easy to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or examine their sleep at the end of the night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to 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. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket at one end can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with mattresses, while others have to buy separately. Be sure the mattress is flat, firm and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to fit the bed's height. Particularly if you're recovering C-sections, 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 when you're still healing.
Certain models come with additional features that can be useful, such as tilting the tummy for reflux, or detach to become a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rocks or folds down to lay flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. Look at the cost and find out what bedding is included with the crib. It is usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your child's bedside cot.
Style
New mums appreciate the convenience of cribs that are placed at twin bedside cot that let them monitor baby during night feedings and changing nappy without getting out of the bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from C-section or other medical condition such as colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib is contingent on your requirements and your lifestyle. Aside from the obvious safety features, think about whether you want to be able to get your baby out of the crib to feed them or soothe them, and if it has any additional features, such as rocking functions. Also, take a look at the dimensions and height of your bed and check that any crib you pick can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs are typically cheaper than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're packed with great features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three different colors with elegant oak legs that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold up, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered during the day, allowing the baby to be held and sleep in a safe manner and then raised at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue co sleeper bedside cot-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, but one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to operate initially.
The bedding you choose to use in a bedside crib must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation hazards. Many cribs are fitted with a mattress. However, you can find sheets that will fit in the majority of retailers. Avoid mattresses from secondhand stores as they can become worn out and deteriorate with time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or carry when you go on vacation. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit in the carry bag, so that you can transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and newborns as they let you see your baby at night without the risk of them falling off the mattress or suffocating. It's 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 a separate mattress in the same space to minimize the chance of SIDS.
Depending on which model you choose the bedside crib could come with features that make it more convenient. For instance one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height, making it easy for you to reach in and pick up your little one. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester said gave her 'easy access' to comfort their infant.
Some models come with extras like a rocking function (great for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are beneficial if your child has an illness that can cause reflux, however, your baby should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Check whether the fabric can be washed by machine and if it has a mattress protector with waterproof properties, which will protect from leaky nappies, baby sick or spills. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet, which makes it easier for you to wash and change it.
Other factors to consider include how easy it is to build and how compact it is when folded away. Check if it is easy to put together and if it comes with an included bag for travel. Also, think about if it has extras like tilting the tummy or the possibility of turning it into a moses basket for older babies - this is a great option for traveling.