15 Startling Facts About Bedside Crib Co Sleeper That You Never Knew
Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib co sleeper is a great choice if you want your baby close to you for a relaxed evening feeding. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They are based on strict guidelines for safe sleep from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home testers love the fact that this crib rotates 360deg to make it easy to access and has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It folds up easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs let you keep your baby close to you at night without risk of being suffocated. They attach to your bed, so you can reach out to comfort or feed your child in the middle night. They are also ideal for mothers who are recovering from having a c-section. There's plenty to consider before purchasing one.
When shopping for a crib that is bedside, make sure you're looking at an item that is in line with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled because they permit children to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they pose a risk of strangulation and entrapment. Make sure the crib you pick meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be in place in November 2020.
The new rules prohibit cribs that are used for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Instead, the majority of models have 'half-height' walls that still allow your baby to lay close to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking a bit lower than the mattress. All of the models on our list meet the new standards which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also worth checking if the crib you're looking at is able to attach securely to your bed and is anchored properly. This is particularly important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper such as the freestanding Graco Pack 'n Play on the go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby awards.
It is also important to remember that the crib should only be used to sleep and should not be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories like pillows, blankets toys or animals that are stuffed. 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 type of mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close by at night without the threat of bed-sharing which can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach out to comfort your baby without getting out of bed at the middle of the night. It's a good alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, easy to use and comfortable for your new baby and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have slats that are wide and open enough to allow airflow. They also come with windows or doors that can be rolled up or down depending on the need. It's easy to change the diaper of your baby or nurse them, or monitor their sleep at night. Some models also include an swaddle bag to assist you sleep in a safe routine.
It should be small and light when folded so that it is easy to transport around the home. It is also easy to clean, and come with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. The pocket at the other end can be used to store spare diapers and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include mattresses, whereas others require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure the mattress is designed for your specific model and is supple, flat and breathable. Avoid bedside crib with changing table -hand mattresses as they increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height that it's in line with the size of your own bed. A bedside crib that is adjustable in height could be a great help for you, particularly in the event that you are recovering from a C-section.
Some models include useful extras, such as an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or a detachable moses bin which can later be used as a toddler playpen. Check if the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage or comes with bags. It's also worth looking into the cost of the crib and the bedding included - it's usually necessary to buy separate sheets for your baby's crib.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for mothers who are new. They allow mothers to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without getting out of the bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from a C-section or other medical condition like colic or reflux.
The best crib for your child is based on your requirements and lifestyle. In best bedside cot for newborn to the obvious safety features, think about whether you'd like to be capable of lifting your baby out of the crib to feed them or calm them and if it includes any additional features, such as rocking functions. Also, consider the dimensions and the height of your bed and check that any crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, but they do have some excellent features, including breathable mesh and see through sides, an option for reflux incline and a height that can be adjusted. Our favourite is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to make the perfect sleeper. It comes in three colours with elegant oak legs that fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a convenient bag for trips to grandparents.
Some cribs come with side panels that can be lowered down to let you touch your baby during the daytime and for safer co-sleeping, but then pop up again at night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, but one of our MFM Home testers had difficulty getting it to use at first.
You must ensure that the bedding used for a crib next to a bedside is fitted properly. There should be no gaps or other openings, that could lead to an air suffocation. Most cribs are equipped with a mattress. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they are likely to wear out and degrade with time increasing the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or to take along when you go on vacation. The best bedside cradles are small enough to fit into a carry bag so that you can easily take them on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are great for parents and babies because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the danger of them falling off the mattress or suffocating. However, it's important to remember that the official safety guidelines for sleep from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby during the first six months with a separate bed in the same room, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Depending on which model you choose the crib that you choose for your bed could come with features that make it more practical. For example one of the top-rated models from our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height, making it easy for you to reach inside and pick up your little one. The model comes with a sidewall which dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this gave her 'easy access" to help their child.
Certain models come with additional features, such as the ability to rock (useful for babies who are fussy) or tilt settings to aid in reflux. These are useful if your child has a condition which triggers reflux, however your infant should be sleeping on a firm, flat mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric is machine washable and if there's a mattress protector with waterproof properties that will shield you from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change it.
Other things to consider are the ease with which it can build and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure the bed is easy to attach and if there's a bag included for travel. Take note of extras such as a tummy-tilt or the capability to transform it into a Moses basket for older children. This is a great feature when traveling.