A Step-By Step Guide To Selecting Your Bedside Crib Co Sleeper
Is bedside cots for newborns For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great option if you want your baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They are based on official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favored among home testers because it can be adjusted to suit your bed height and swivels to 360 degrees for easy access. It is easy to fold and comes with a travel bag.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without risk of being suffocated. They can be attached to the sides of your bed so that you can easily reach out to soothe or feed your baby in the middle of the night, and they're also ideal for mums recovering from the c-section. But there's a lot to think about before you invest in one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib, make sure you're choosing a model that complies with current safety standards. Many older cribs were removed due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Check that your chosen model meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of this year.
The most significant change in the new rules is that bedside cribs can not have drop-down sides. Instead, the majority of models have 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lie close to your bed, but offer a more secure barrier by sinking a little lower than your mattress. All models on our list 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 affixed to your bed, and that it is securely fixed. This is especially crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system, such as the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother and Baby Awards.
It's also important to keep in mind that the crib should only be used to sleep and should not be used with bedding or other accessories, like blankets, pillows, toys or toys for stuffed animals. The official safe sleep guidelines from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should sleep in their own sleep space in their crib or cot and not on an adult bed or any other mattress or soft furnishing.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child in close proximity throughout the night, without the risk that they may be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the risk of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without having to get out of bed in the middle night. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to an infant Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and infants up to 6 months old.
The best models have slats that are wide and spacious enough to allow for air circulation. They also feature a door and/or window that can be folded up or down as needed. This makes it simple to change your baby's diapers, nurse him or check on them throughout the night. Some models come with a swaddle bag to assist you in establishing a secure sleeping routine.
You want a model that is light and compact when folded so it's easy to move around your home or take away with you. The mattress cover should be able to be removed and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on one end can be useful for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress, while others need to purchase separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is specifically designed for your model and is flat, firm and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Look for a crib with an adjustable height so that it is in line with the height of your bed. A bedside crib that can be adjusted in height could be extremely beneficial to you, especially in the event that you are recovering from a C-section.
Certain models come with additional features that can be useful like a tummy tilt for reflux, or detach to become a moses basket, and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib is rocking, folds down to lie flat for storage, or comes with a travel bag. It's also worth checking how much the model costs and the bedding included. It's not uncommon to purchase additional sheets for the crib that your baby is sleeping in.
Style
Bedside cribs are a great option for mothers who are new. They let them monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without having to get out of the bed. They can also be useful in helping babies recover from c-section or other medical conditions like colic or reflux.
The ideal bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and needs. Consider the safety features and if you will be able lift your baby from the crib to feed them or soothe them. Also, consider if the crib has any extras, such as rocking capabilities. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that the crib you select will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally cheaper than Moses baskets However, don't let that fool you - they're still packed with fantastic features like air-tight mesh and transparent sides, reflux incline options and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colors and features stylish oak legs, so it's sure to fit in your bedroom. Plus, it's easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lower in the daytime to allow the baby to be held and sleep safely and then raised at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, though one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to operate initially.
Any bedding you use in a crib for bed must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation hazards. Many cribs are fitted with mattresses. However sheets are available that will fit in the majority of retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses as they can be worn down and deteriorate over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets. This makes them easier to move from room to rooms, or to take when you go on vacation. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit in bags so that you can transport them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs allow you to look at your baby without worrying about them rolling off the bed or suffocating. However, it's important to note that official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends you only co-sleep with your baby during the first six months - with a separate bed in the same room to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Based on the model you choose, the bedside crib may include features that make it more convenient. One of the best cribs in our MFM home test swivels, and can be adjusted in the height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. This model has a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester stated that this allowed her to 'easy access" to soothe their child.
Some models have extra features such as a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy), or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby suffers from an illness that causes reflux but keep in mind that your baby must sleep on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it is to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washable and if it has a waterproof protector to keep away leaky nappies and drips. Some cribs have a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other factors to consider include how easy it is to put together and how compact when folded away. Check if it's easy to connect to your bed, and if it has a bag to use to take it with you on your travels. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into the form of a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature for those who travel.