Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If bedside travel cot want to keep your baby close for fuss-free feeding at night, a bedside crib co-sleeper is the ideal choice. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favorite among home testers because it is adjustable to match the bed's height, and it swivels a full 360 degrees for easy access. It folds up easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep your baby close throughout the night without putting them at risk of overheating or suffocating. They are attached to your bed, so you can reach out and comfort or feed your child during the middle of night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from an c-section. There's plenty to think about before purchasing 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 recalls due to the danger 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 biggest change in the new rules is that bedside cribs can no longer have completely drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to lie on your bed, but also provide a more protective barrier because they sink a little beneath the mattress. All of our models 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 Award 2017
Check that the crib is securely attached to your bed, and that it is securely fixed. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system like the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother and Baby Awards.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a crib is intended for sleep and is not meant to be used with bedding or other accessories like blankets, toys, pillows, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued a safe sleep guidelines that state that babies should sleep only in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other type of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close 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 in the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, practical, and comfortable for your newborn baby and babies until 6 months of age.
The top models offer excellent breathability and slats that are wide enough and open enough to allow air flow. You can also move the window or door according to your needs. This makes it easier to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on them throughout the night. Some models include the swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded, so that it is easy to carry around the house. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it easy to clean. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress, while others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is flat, firm, and airy. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that can be adjusted to the bed's height. Especially if you're recovering from a C-section, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height can give you a better chance of getting into and out of bed with ease, especially during the early days of recovering.
Certain models come with useful extras, like the tummy-tilt feature for reflux or a detachable moses bin which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Other features to consider include whether the crib rocks or folds down to lay flat for storage or comes with a travel bag. Find out the price and what bedding is included with the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
New moms love the convenience of cribs that are placed at bedside that allow them to keep an eye on baby during night feeds and changing nappy without having to get out of bed. They also help babies settle after a csection or when recovering from other medical conditions, such as colic or reflux.
Choosing the right bedside crib for you depends on your needs and your lifestyle. Aside 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 calm them and if it comes with any additional features, such as the ability to rock. Also, take a look at the dimensions and height of your bed and check that any crib you pick will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they have great features, such as the breathable mesh, the see-through sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with stylish oak legs that be a perfect fit in any bedroom. It's also simple to put together and fold up, and comes with a convenient bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be removed during the day to allow you to touch your baby and co-sleep safely, but are raised again at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home test participants found it difficult to use at first.
The bedding you put in a bedside crib must be fitted properly and should not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation risks. This is why a lot of cribs have an adjustable mattress, however you can find suitable sheets at most retailers. It's a good idea to avoid second-hand mattresses, which may be worn out and become deteriorated over time, posing a risk of increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and easier to transport than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to move from room to rooms, or to take on vacation. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit in a carry bag, so you can easily take them to short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you look at your baby without having to worry about them falling off the mattress or suffocating. But, it's important to keep in mind that the official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your child for the first six months with an additional bed in the same room to lower the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model that you pick, bedside cribs can include features that enhance their convenience. For instance one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height, making it easy to reach in and pick up your child. bedside travel cot has a sidewall that slopes down, which one MFM home tester described as giving an easy access to hold their baby.
Some models include additional features for example, a rocking feature (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings to help with reflux. These are useful to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux. However, be aware that your baby should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Consider how easy it is be to clean the model. Check if the fabric is machine washable and has a waterproof protector that can keep away leaky nappies and drips. Some cribs with a bedside have an upholstered sheet, which allows you to change and wash it.
Other features to consider include the ease with which it can build and how compact it is when folded away. Consider whether it is easy to attach to your bed and if it has a bag to use to take it with you on your travels. Take note of extras such as a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be useful when travelling.