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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 that this crib rotates 360deg for easy access and features an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a carry-on bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby bedside co sleeper close by throughout the night without putting them at risk of overheating or suffocating. They attach 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 mums recovering after an 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 choosing one that meets current safety standards. Many older cribs were recalls due to the danger of strangulation or entrapment caused by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Check that your chosen model is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November 2020.
The biggest change in the new regulations is that bedside co sleeper cribs will not be made with completely drop-down sides. Most cribs have "half height' walls, which still allow your child to lie next to your bed, but also offer a more secure protection since they are a bit beneath 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
Make sure that the crib is securely affixed to your bed, and that it is correctly anchored. This is especially important if you plan to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, 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 is also important to remember that the crib is intended for sleeping purposes and should not be used with bedding or accessories, such as pillows, blankets toys or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep advice that states that infants should only sleep in their cribs or cots and not on an adult's bed, or any other kind of soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib for your bed allows you to keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which can increase the risk of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach over and soothe your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get up. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies until 6 months of age.
The best models have slats that are wide and open enough to allow airflow. They also feature windows or doors that can be folded up or down when needed. This makes it simple to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or check on them throughout the night. Some models also include an swaddle bag to assist you with a safe sleep routine.
It should be small and light when folded so that it is easy to carry around the home. It is also easy to clean, and come with a a removable and washable mattress cover. A pocket on one side is useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs for wooden bedside cot use mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is designed for your specific model and is flat, firm and comfortable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that is adjusted to match the bed's height. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height can be very beneficial to you, particularly in the event that you are recovering from a C-section.
Certain models have additional features that could be beneficial for parents, like tilting the tummy for reflux, or detach to become a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. 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 checking the cost of the crib and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to purchase separate sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
New mothers are enthralled by the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to monitor baby during night feeds and changing nappy without getting out of bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a csection or after recovering from other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.
Choosing the right bedside crib for your child is based on your requirements and your lifestyle. Consider the safety features and whether you will be able lift your baby from the crib to feed or calm them. Also, consider whether the crib is equipped with extras, such as rocking features. Check the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, however they have amazing features, like air-tight mesh, see-through sides, reflux incline option and adjustable height. Our favorite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which is stylish and practical to make the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and features stylish oak legs, so it will fit right into your bedroom. It's also easy to put together, fold and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparent's.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you touch your baby during the daytime and for safer co-sleeping however, they come back up at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for example, has this feature, though one of our MFM home testers found it tricky to use initially.
The bedding you choose to use in a crib bed should be a good fit and not leave any gaps that could serve as suffocation dangers. Most cribs are equipped with mattresses. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand because they will wear out and deteriorate with 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 when you go on vacation. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag to allow you to take them on short journeys.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you observe 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 six months and then have a separate mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.
The model you choose the bedside crib could have features that make it more practical. For instance one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height, making it easy to reach in and pick up your little one. This model also has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester described as giving an easy access to hold their baby.
Some models have additional extras like the ability to rock (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby has a condition that causes reflux, but keep in mind that your baby must rest on a flat, firm mattress to prevent suffocation or overheating.
Think about how easy it is to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable and has a waterproof protector that can guard against leaky nappies or drips. Some bedside cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier for you to change it and wash it.
Other things to consider are how easy it is to assemble and how compact when folded away. Make sure the bed is simple to put together and if it comes with bags included to carry it on the road. Check if the product comes with additional features like a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when traveling.